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 137,183 USD and 176,869 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 This position is located in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC). The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2545 (2020) authorizing the mandate of UNVMC, which is to work with Colombia to further extend the mandate of the basis of the 2016 peace agreement between the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia People’s Army (FARC-EP). Under Resolution 2574 (2021), the Mission will thus take on the additional task of verifying compliance with and the implementation of the sentences issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace to individuals who told the truth and acknowledge responsibility for crimes committed during the 50-year long conflict between the Government and the FARC-EP. The Political Affairs Officer will be based in Bogota, Colombia and within delegated authority, the incumbent will report to the Principal Political Affairs Officer of UNVMC. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff, as per the Secretary General´s Gender Parity Strategy. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff, as per the Secretary General´s Gender Parity Strategy. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Candidates interested to work for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia may wish to check out our Realistic Job Preview videos to get an idea of the living and working conditions in different duty stations in Colombia.: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-8SCkVjg-e3073SwTDG1VQf1oLTWfUQ4

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

Political Analysis and Advice - Identify, analyze and monitor key political developments, trends and emerging issues in the implementation of the restorative sentences issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP). - Assist the Principal Affairs Officer and other senior members of the mission to assess implications and in developing recommendations on possible strategies and measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives on the verification of the implementation of the restorative sentences issued by the SJP.

Reporting and Information Management - 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 bodies in addition to inputs for speeches and Security Council briefings for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. - Prepare and review contextual information materials, such as background notes, political profiles and databases of relevance to the assigned portfolio.

Planning, Coordination and Facilitation - Support the Principal Political Affairs Officer to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with mission components, UN Common System colleagues and counterparts, appropriate national authorities, civil society, UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes with complementary mandates, and other relevant partners to support the developments on sanctions’ implementation. - Coordinate the Office’s substantive and administrative production, draft background papers and internal communication, prepare and participate in meetings with key actors in support to the Principal Political Affairs Officer and other senior members of the mission. - Maintain a constant relationship with Heads of Offices in the regions and monitor and analyze progress reports received from Regional Offices. - Act as a focal point to assist the Principal Affairs Officer in the articulation of the Sentences Verification Office with other verification areas. - Assist and participate in dissemination efforts about the new mandate of the Mission. - Integrate a gender sensitive analysis and approach in all functions. - Perform other relevant duties as required.

Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of Peacekeeping Operations and/or Special Political Missions and of UN rules and procedures; Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes; Understanding of transitional justice processes; Ability to relate to various issues and perspectives and understanding the interlinkages between political, legal and social issues related to transitional justice; 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 the 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.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social sciences, law, public administration, or a related field. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and two additional years’ experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, development, disarmament or related areas is required.

Proven experience drafting high quality, accurate political analysis and political reports under tight deadlines is required.

A minimum of two years of experience in political analysis, advice and reporting is required.

At least three years experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) in a conflict, post-conflict or complex setting is required.

At least 2 years experience working in transitional justice programmes is desirable. At leas2 years experience working in Latin America is highly desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and Spanish is required.

Assessment Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

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.