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.

• Provide timely, responsive and client-friendly support to the Mediation Section; • Produce analytical papers in French and English, including daily and weekly situation reports, code cables, talking points, speeches, and background notes on the situation in Mali; • Project-related documents are compliant, coherent and consistent with the Section’s mandate, and they are processed in a timely manner; • Submitted Mediation project proposals are of high quality and comply with the regulations and set procedures; • Allocated budget is efficiently and timely spent in accordance with the Section’s work plans; • Periodic reports on budget implementation and overall performance are prepared; • Vendors are paid in a timely manner in accordance with the regulations and applicable procedures.

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

• Prepare summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to situation reports, briefing notes, options papers, code cables and input for the reports of the Secretary- General to the Security Council, General Assembly or other relevant bodies; • Prepare contextual information materials such as background notes, political profiles and database of relevance to the assigned portfolio; • Conduct secondary sources research and secondary data collection, and assist with primary sources/ field research • Manage information to ensure its accessibility and utility; • Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations related to political developments; • Train, coach, mentor and ensure capacity development of national staff and/or (non- governmental counterparts as appropriate; Assist with the development of integrated donor funding proposals and the drafting of grant proposals; • Assist with the monitoring of the Section’s project implementation according to the set procedures and regulations; • Ensure the compliance of project documentation with the set requirements and procedures and maintain complete records of all project and budget-related operations (database); • Provide inputs to strategic planning processes and monitoring of compliance with the MINUSMA Result-Based Budget and the Mediation Division Work Plan and contribute to periodic performance reports; • Support programme development by conducting needs assessment and drafting of concept notes and project proposals; Analyze, review and report on project implementation and budget spending of the Section; • Contribute to the organization of high-level events with national authorities, such as conferences, trainings, workshops, if/ when required; • Participate in internal and external coordination meetings and liaise with other Mission sections and project partners; • Follow up on vendor payment transactions in a timely manner in accordance with the regulations and applicable procedures; Assist in day-to-day management and reporting on the project activities; • Any other assigned task related to planning and project management.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse back-grounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

progressively responsible in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, development, disarmament or related field is required. Experience in political outreach, analysis and reporting is required. Experience in programme/ project management is highly desirable. Experience in an international organization or non-governmental organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is highly desirable. Excellent/ Proficient computer skills – Mandatory

Bamako is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Mali is a non-family duty station. Living conditions are acceptable in Bamako, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (April 2020 exchange rate was 1 US$ = 675FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication. Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.