Political Affairs Advisor

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 168,113 USD and 216,746 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Background Information - Job-specific

Since 2010, the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement has inspired a new way of working collaboratively to end malnutrition, in all its forms. With the governments of SUN Countries in the lead, it unites people—from civil society, the United Nations, donors, businesses and researchers—in a collective effort to improve nutrition. The SUN Strategy 2021–2025 (SUN 3.0) prioritises country leadership and focuses on supporting systemic change at the country level. It seeks to capture the ambition of SUN countries and guide the work of all actors at all levels aligning concerted action behind and responding to commonly agreed national priorities set out by governments in SUN countries.

SUN 3.0 is committed to fundamental, non-negotiable aspects of effective nutrition action, including equity and the principle of leaving no one behind. For its third phase, the SUN Movement will drive forward gender equality and enshrine youth leadership across the Movement. SUN 3.0 will strengthen partnerships to achieve greater impact on nutrition through food systems, health systems, social protection systems, actions by the private sector and humanitarian and development actors, and through education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and climate change adaptation.

The SUN Movement Secretariat plays a central role in enabling the multiple members and structures of the Movement to work together to advance progress on country-level priorities and the global positioning of nutrition.

The SUN Movement Secretariat comprises approximately 35 personnel, based in Geneva and in various regions globally. All parts of the Movement – member governments, the four SUN networks (Civil Society, United Nations, Business, Donors), the SUN Movement Coordinator and the SUN Movement Secretariat work together to align and focus efforts on priorities within countries.

The SUN Movement Secretariat is hosted by UNOPS.

Role of the Political Affairs Advisor

The Political Affairs Advisor reports to the SUN Movement Coordinator, UN Assistant Secretary General, who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day implementation of the SUN Movement Strategy and Roadmap, leads the SUN Movement Global Support System and represents the SUN Movement globally.

The role is part of a small global strategic advisory team, to support coordination, representation, advocacy, and liaison tasks with Movement members and stakeholders, and leading engagement with the Lead Group members.

The role works in close collaboration with the Director, SUN Movement Secretariat and the Senior Management Team of the Secretariat, to ensure political positioning of nutrition becomes increasingly institutionalised in member countries and stakeholder organisations.

The purpose of the Political Affairs Advisor role is to support the Coordinator and the Secretariat in inter-governmental and multi-stakeholder processes, develop and lead the implementation of political engagement strategies and strengthen and sustain policy and advocacy at the global level to position nutrition outcomes as a key maker and marker of sustainable development. This will increase the likelihood of generating additional resources and political capital to accelerate nutrition improvement.

Functional Responsibilities

1. P****olitical analysis

• Identify, analyse and monitor political developments and emerging issues with respect to key principles and core themes of the SUN Movement.
• Assess national, regional and global political trends that might affect the SUN Movement; recommend solutions/possible actions by the Coordinator and or Secretariat in response.
• Provide up-to-date information to the Coordinator regarding sensitive political matters related to the positioning of the SUN Movement.
• Prepare analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile political matters of concern to the SUN Movement.

2. Alliance building, networking and advocacy - Develop and maintain relations with government officials, donors, missions and other political stakeholders at the working level to understand issues and policies of mutual concern. - Liaise with UN departments/agencies/funds/programmes, other international organisations and governments; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. - Work with key stakeholders across the Secretariat to identify opportunities to showcase to governments and other key political stakeholders the SUN Movement's added value and progress in reducing malnutrition. - Participate in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise. - Represent the Coordinator and/or the SUN Movement Secretariat (when requested) in public events, task forces, working groups, intergovernmental and interagency discussions, interactions with stakeholders.

3. S****upport to the Coordinator- Provide strategic advice to the Coordinator and Secretariat on leverage political support to more effectively meet SUN country priorities. - Draft notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for the Coordinator in collaboration with the Communication and External Affairs Advisor, Nutrition Advisor and Food Systems Advisor. - Monitor political events at country, regional and global levels, in order to ensure appropriate positioning of the SUN Movement and identify opportunities for appropriately positioning the role of the Coordinator. - Arrange and participate in country visits and other political meetings of the Coordinator, as relevant. - Provide advice and support to the Coordinator in leveraging political will and funds to address the causes of malnutrition. - Support the Coordinator’s function by contributing in shaping the Secretariat’s thinking and execution of new concepts, approaches and priorities for the future direction of the SUN Movement, including its Global Support System

4. Knowledge management and innovation- Drive knowledge sharing and strategic communication across the organisation and beyond, ensuring collaboration and continuous feedback as appropriate. - Identify and share new government policies that have been enacted and implemented that leverage new resources and action for nutrition improvement. - Contribute to the ongoing research, development and implementation of best practice and innovative approaches to maximise performance and sustain achievements

Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of results will support the SUN Movement and its Secretariat to achieve in-country nutrition impact and its vision of a world free from malnutrition in all its forms by 2030.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education: - Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public administration, economics, law, political sciences, social sciences or related field is required. - A bachelor's degree with a combination of two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.

B. Work Experience:- A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience is required, in the areas of international relations and development, law, diplomacy or other related field is required. - Experience in political outreach, analysis, advice and reporting is required. - Experience at the international level in multi-stakeholder and/or multilateral environments on food security, or nutrition or sustainable agricultural issues is desirable. - Experience of working with bilateral and multilateral development agencies, including an aptitude for, and knowledge of, current issues in nutrition and development is desirable.

C. Language: - Fluency in English Language ( Writing, Reading and Speaking) is required. - Knowledge of another official UNOPS language, particularly French is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed-term Staff Contract Contract level: ICS 11/ P4 Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time - Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. - Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified. - Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. - UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request. - Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types - For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post - The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

*It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT APPLICANTS INCLUDE A SHORT COVER LETTER INDICATING THEIR MOTIVATION AND FIT FOR THE POSITION.*

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.