Associate Political Affairs Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Description of task

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Section, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Gather, select, verify and analyze information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including internal mission reports and the press;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge relating to political issues in general in the DR Congo, and in particular as they affect the operational area for which the staff member is responsible;
• Keep abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provide updates and inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in the Mission;
• Monitor national and district level political developments and provide advice to the Mission;
• Provide technical and substantive support for the implementation of the mandate of the Political Affairs Division in Mission HQ;
• Maintain contacts with other components of the Mission, UN international partners and government authorities on political and security issues, coordination and policy matters;
• Maintain regular contact with all relevant local political actors and civil society groups;
• Assist in compiling and producing daily, weekly, flash and other written reports as directed by the Head of Section;
• Assist with the preparation of internal and external meetings chaired by or attended by the Director and/or Head of the Political Affairs Section;
• Coordinate preparations for special visits and support visiting delegations as required;
• Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations within assigned area of responsibility;
• Maintain database information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving political and security actors in the area covered by the regional office;
• Participate in fact-finding and other joint missions within assigned area of responsibility;
• Assist the Head of Political Affairs Section in conflict resolution or crisis management initiatives by information gathering and analysis;
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations, briefings and other information packages for senior officials as directed by Head of Section;
• Participate in field visits in difficult circumstances;
• When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training;
• Any other related duties as may be required.

Educational additional comments

A Master’s Degree in Political Science, International Relations or any related subject.

Experience remark

Two years practical professional and international work experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related field. Working experience in Africa is desirable.

Language skills

• English(Mandatory), Level - Fluent
• French(Mandatory), Level - Working Knowledge

Area of expertise details

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations in the DRC. Fluency in English and French are required. Knowledge of Swahili would be an advantage.

Computer skills: Experience in working with Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point, social media.

• Sound judgment in applying expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems, including politically sensitive ones, and the ability to proactively seek and recommend sound policy initiatives or other solutions;
• Proven analytical, research and negotiating skills;
• Demonstrated ability to identify and analyze problems, i.e. political, ethnic, racial, social, economic, etc., related to the consolidation of peace and security in a country or geographic area;
• Excellent oral and listening skills, including an ability to articulate and defend one’s analysis or proposals;
• Excellent drafting and editing skills, primarily in English;
• Ability to develop and maintain contacts and foster collaboration with national and international partners in order to acquire timely information;

Competencies values

Client Orientation, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

Application procedure

• Not yet registered in the UNV Talent Pool? Please first register your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/signup. Important: After creating your account, complete all sections of your profile and submit it. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypage and click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink. Lastly, select the special call to which you would like to apply. * Already registered in the UNV Talent Pool? Please first update your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/profile. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypage and click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink to select the special call to which you would like to apply. Application deadline: 06-09-2021