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 June 1999, following a 78 day-long NATO campaign of air strikes against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the United Nations was tasked to administer Kosovo through its Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), with an unprecedented mandate to provide Kosovo with a “transitional administration while establishing and overseeing the development of provisional democratic self-governing institutions to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants in Kosovo.” In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244, UNMIK established an international civilian presence in Kosovo. Municipal elections in 2000 and general elections in 2001 enabled the establishment of Kosovo’s Provisional Institutions of Self Government (PISG) and thereafter for UNMIK to gradually transfer responsibilities and transition from its administrative/executive role to one of monitoring and supporting local institutions. Following Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence, the entry into force of the Kosovo constitution, and the deployment of a European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) in the course of 2008, UNMIK was reconfigured to reflect changes in the situation on the ground, in line with the Secretary- General’s report to the Security Council of 24 November 2008 and the Security Council Presidential Statement of 26 November 2008.

At present, the strategic goal of the Mission is the promotion of security, stability, respect for human rights and rule of law and inter-community trust-building, through engagement with all communities in Kosovo, as well as with Pristina and Belgrade and regional and international actors, such the EU, OSCE, NATO’s Kosovo Force, and Council of Europe.

The UNMIK Office of Political Affairs monitors, analyses and reports on political developments, which could have an impact on stability in Kosovo and in the region so as to provide mission management and UN Headquarters with early warning and strategy recommendations. The incumbent will be based in Pristina.

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of Chief of the Office of Political Affairs (OPA).
The UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to the political situation in Kosovo, in particular as they affect the operational area for which the staff member is responsible. . Gather, select and analyze information contained in communications and publications. . Keep abreast of latest political trends and developments and provide inputs on issues through the Head of OPA to Mission management. . Compile and draft daily, monthly and quarterly political situation reports to UNHQ as required. . Produce notes to the files and other reports, including for the SRSG if required; . Draft talking points and background notes for the SRSG. . Work closely with national staff to produce high-quality reports based on up-to-date information and astute political analysis. . Produce timely, concise, well written reports within the mandate of OPA. . Serve as a focal point for OPA on CPAS, A4P+, RBB and other tracking and reporting mechanisms. . Attend round table discussions, seminars and workshops on behalf of OPA on subjects pertaining to the work of OPA. . Provide technical and substantive back-up in the implementation of mandates of the Office of Political Affairs and Office of the Chief of Staff as required.
. Maintain contacts with other components of the Mission and the UN Kosovo team, international partners and government authorities on political, coordination and policy matters; . Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations within assigned area of responsibility; . Define workplan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference; . Attend events related to the mandate of the Mission as required. . Coordinate work with staff members in OPA, O/COS, and other substantive offices of the Mission as needed.

• Professionalism - Demonstrated ability to identify problems, i.e. political, ethnic, racial, social, economic, , causing unrest in a country or geographic area; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of peace operations. • Judgment/Decision-Making - Sound judgment in applying expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems and the ability to proactively seek and recommend sound policy initiatives. • Analytical and Negotiating Skills - Proven analytical, research and negotiating skills. • Communications - Excellent oral skills and proven drafting ability; ability to develop contacts and foster collaboration with other organizations in order to acquire timely information on current initiatives and studies pertinent to assigned area. • Planning and Organizing - The ability to manage own plan and the work and the work schedules of others and to meet deadlines. • Technological Awareness - Good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software, e.g., PowerPoint. • Teamwork - Sound interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

International Affairs, Development, Security Diplomacy, Administration or Foreign Relations. Experience in field or peacekeeping operations is highly desirable.

Kosovo is located in the Balkans mountain range of south-eastern Europe. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Houses/Apartments are easily available and generally have electricity and running water. Costs are reasonable but vary according to location - i.e. city centre vs. outlying villages. Upon arrival, you will reside in a hotel until you get permanent housing. The UNV Field Unit can assist in identify suitable housing. There are no specific health problems associated with Kosovo, and no vaccines are required prior to arrival. Air pollution indexes are high during the winter period and may pose a threat to particularly sensitive groups. UNMIK offices are equipped with air filters. UNMIK provides contracted medical service to its staff should anyone fall ill. Foods and dietary needs of all kinds are available in the many supermarkets. There are marketplaces that cater fruits and vegetables, and bakeries offer some exquisite pastries and breads. Fresh fish and meat are also available. Several English-speaking schools are available in Kosovo.