POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

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 171,387 USD and 220,969 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.

Org. Setting and Reporting The post is located in the Policy Planning Unit (PPU) within the Policy and Mediation Division (PMD) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The Policy Planning Unit within PMD is responsible for a wide range of functions related to analysis and the development and implementation of policy on cross-cutting peace and security issues and emerging questions relevant to the work of the Department, and represents the DPPA in a number of inter-agency policy fora and discussions. Under the overall direction of the Director, the incumbent will report to the Team Leader of PPU/PMD.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Acts as lead representative for DPPA in the joint DPPA-UNDP- UNEP project "Strengthening the UN's capacity to address climate related security risks", and serves as focal point for DPPA on issues related to climate change and peace and security.
• Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues.
• Analyses political and related events within assigned area.
• Provides inter-agency coordination as well as internal DPPA coordination for the compilation of inputs for specific research and prepares analytical reports and papers to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
• Meets regularly with operational teams including those from other agencies to plan projects and review project activities.
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues with a focus on climate related security risks.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to climate change and its implications for peace and security.
• Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative and coordinating functions relating to the implementation of inter-agency communication and the coordination mechanism on climate-security.
• Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation.

• Performs other related duties as required.

  Competencies - PROFESSIONALISM: Possesses extensive knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, especially related to non-traditional threats, including climate issues. Shows ability to conduct independent research, including into key thematic issues and emerging trends. Demonstrates knowledge of the UN System and in particular its work in the area of peace and security including in-depth knowledge of policy planning practices. Shows ability to represent Departmental positions and work collaboratively in interagency processes. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

  Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, development, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

  Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, climate risk assessment or related area is required Experience in policy planning, including policy analysis and development, particularly on cross-cutting issues including non-traditional threats, is required. Experience in drafting policy documents, analytical notes and reports is required. Experience working on climate related security risk assessments is required. Experience networking with academic institutions, research organizations and think tanks in the area of international peace and security is desirable. Experience coordinating inter-agency mechanisms is desirable. Experience in the design and implementation of risk assessments in support of conflict prevention is desirable. Experience leading working groups in a multi-disciplinary environment is desirable.

  Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

  Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

  Special Notice The appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year. Extension beyond this period is subject to availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.

An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.