Political Affairs Officer

Volunteering Elections & Governance

Overview

Support political analysis and reporting in Kosovo for UN operations.

You have:

• Experience in political affairs, international relations, diplomacy, peacekeeping, conflict analysis, development cooperation, or related fields is required.
• Experience in political analysis, drafting analytical reports, briefing notes, talking points, or situation reports is required.
• Experience working with UN entities, governments, or NGO partners in complex or high-risk environments is desirable.
• Experience in stakeholder coordination and liaison with international organizations, government institutions, civil society, and/or diplomatic actors is desirable.
• Previous experience in the Western Balkans region or familiarity with the political context of Kosovo is considered an advantage.
• Strong analytical and drafting skills, including the ability to produce concise and accurate political reports under tight deadlines.
• Excellent research, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional networks and coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of data analysis, reporting, and visualization tools is desirable.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

All reference to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999.

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

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to the political situation in Kosovo, particularly 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 the latest political trends and developments and provide inputs on issues as tasked.
• Compile and draft daily, monthly, and quarterly political situation reports to United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ ) as required.
• Produce notes to the files and other reports, including for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG ) if required;
• Draft talking points and background notes as guided by OPA;
• Work closely with local 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 the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Task description
• Monitor Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb political parties and dynamics
• Serve as a focal point on Comprehensive Planning and Accountability System (CPAS), Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+), Results-Based Budgeting (RBB ), and other tracking and reporting mechanisms.
• Attend round table discussions, seminars, and workshops on subjects pertaining to the work of UNMIK.
• Provide technical and substantive backup 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, United Nations (UN ) organizations, government, and non-governmental organizations within the assigned area of responsibility;
• Define work plan for the 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 and other substantive offices of the Mission as needed.

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility; Commitment to Continuous Learning; Communication; Integrity; Planning and Organizing; Professionalism; Respect for Diversity; Working in Teams.

Experience:

· Experience in political affairs, international relations, diplomacy, peacekeeping, conflict analysis, development cooperation, or related fields is required.

· Experience in political analysis, drafting analytical reports, briefing notes, talking points, or situation reports is required.

· Experience working with UN entities, governments, or NGO partners in complex or high-risk environments is desirable. Experience working in peacekeeping contexts, including experience with related reporting systems (including CPAS, A4P+, and Results-Based Budgeting frameworks) is considered an advantage.

· Experience in stakeholder coordination and liaison with international organizations, government institutions, civil society, and/or diplomatic actors is desirable.

· Previous experience in the Western Balkans region or familiarity with the political context of Kosovo is considered an advantage.

· Experience in information management, data management, GIS & mapping, data visualization, or other related areas is desirable.

Skills:

· Strong analytical and drafting skills, including the ability to produce concise and accurate political reports under tight deadlines.

· Excellent research, communication, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

· Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

· Demonstrated ability to maintain professional networks and coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

· Knowledge of data analysis, reporting, and visualization tools is desirable.

Area of Expertise:

• Political affairs and political analysis

• Conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and mediation support

• Elections and governance

• Stakeholder coordination and liaison

Kosovo is located in the Western 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, although this may not be 24 hours. 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. UNMIK provides contracted medical service to its staff should anyone fall ill. There is a great deal of pollution. Mitrovica is ethnically-mixed area of Kosovo, with infrequent protests that occur depending upon the political/security situation. Foods and dietary needs of all kinds are available in the many supermarkets. There are market places that cater fruits and vegetables, and bakeries offer some exquisite pastries and breads. Fresh fish and meat are also easily available.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 days ago - Updated 4 hours ago - Source: unv.org