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.

In 2019, UNRCCA launched a new initiative focused on young men and women throughout Central Asia and Afghanistan. The aim is to build linkages between UNRCCA and young people in the region, particularly those in underserved communities. The initiative seeks to spark a culture of prevention among young people that could help reduce the risk of conflict and pay peace dividends far into the future. This position will be part of UNRCCA in Ashgabat, reporting to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA. The work will include country-specific and regional activities related to the implementation of the new youth initiative, including organizing and participating in workshops around the region and developing the Centre’s relationships with youth oriented governmental agencies, civil society and young leaders. As such, there will be interactions with government officials of the countries of the region, civil society representatives, academia and colleagues from other UN agencies.

Under the direct supervision of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Asia and Head of UNRCCA or his/her designated representative, the UN Volunteer will: Support the UNRCCA youth initiative, inter alia, by following up on implementation, coordinating with partners and UN Country Teams in the region, accessing regional networks, etc.; Monitor and analyse political developments in Central Asia and identify regional trends particularly related to youth and gender issues; Network and build relationships with relevant local and regional actors, including government, civil society, youth leaders, the international community and academia; Develop and maintain a database of youth agencies, organizations and leaders to facilitate UNRCCA’s outreach on youth- related issues; Provide support to the mainstreaming of youth-related and gender issues throughout UNRCCA’s work;

In coordination with the UNRCCA Public Information Unit, prepare regular updates, press releases, social media posts, etc. on youth-related and gender-related events and other relevant developments;

Participate in conferences, seminars and academic fora as appropriate;

Support the monitoring of results against strategic outcomes and as per approved plans;

Contribute to reporting obligations for donors and outreach to new donors, including the development of resource mobilization strategies; Work with the regional office of UN Volunteers to better integrate UNV’s work and initiatives into UNRCCA’s preventive diplomacy work. Assist in UNRCCA activities aimed at enhancing cross-border confidence-building measures in Fergana Valley, Central Asia, and also in activities promoting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and, specifically, implementation of the project on the Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus. Perform other related duties as required.

Other development programme/project experience is mandatory.

Turkmenistan is situated in the very heart of Central Asia, and an independent state, founded in 1991 after the disintegration of the USSR; five years later it attained a unique political status, which was recognized by the United Nations Organization. Ashgabat is the capital city of the Central Asian country Turkmenistan. The city's name Ashgabat comes from a Persian word “eshg” and “abad”, translated as ‘the city of love’. Ashgabat is also the largest industrial, scientific and cultural center of Turkmenistan. Within national borders, population density drops drastically to an average 29 Turkmen per square mile (11 per square kilometer) for Turkmenistan overall. Ashgabat is recognized for having the world’s greatest concentration of white marble buildings by the Guinness Book of Records. Turkmenistan's cuisine is very similar to the other Central Asian countries and predominantly comprises rice and vegetables and various meats. Locals like to drink "gok chai"- green tea with dried fruit. Herbs may also be added to the tea to give it flavours such as mint. Ashgabat has a cold desert climate; cool, short winters and hot, dry summers. Turkmenistan is a unique country and UNRCCA is a unique UN Entity in the region. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable.