SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Contract

This is a P-5 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 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 167,190 USD and 209,528 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 Senior 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. As per the Secretary General´s Gender Parity Strategy, the United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. #United_for_Gender_Parity. 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 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.

Responsibilities Within limits of delegated authority, the Senior Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for performing the following duties: Political Analysis and Advice - Provides analysis of the key political developments, trends and emerging issues in the implementation of the restorative sentences issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP) and maintains relationships with key political and civil society actors and keeps senior leadership abreast of political issues as they relate to the UNVMC mandate. - Assesses implications and develops 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 - Prepares and reviews code cables, briefing notes, analyses and talking points for the Head of the Mission as well as other UN Senior Officials. · Coordinates the Office’s substantive and administrative production, 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. · Assists the Principal Political Affairs Officer and other Senior Officials of the Mission to formulate methodologies and strategies for the verification of restorative sentences, in coordination and communication with the Regional Offices. · Ensures inclusion of gender, ethnic and cross-cutting considerations across all analysis, reporting and related tasks. Planning, Coordination and Facilitation - Supports the Principal Political Affairs Officer in leading and managing the team of the unit; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs. · Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the office in particular on issues related to transitional justice, the work of the SJP and the implementation of restorative sentences, incorporating a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit. · Develops and maintains relations with senior government officials and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern, as requested and appropriate. · Assists and participates in dissemination efforts about the new mandate of the Mission. · Plans, coordinates and manages programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. - Represents division/office/mission at round tables, seminars and conferences. - Supports the formulation of the programme of work, budget and medium-term plan of the unit and participates in the overall approval of the programme of work, and administrative matters concerning the unit; coordinates and oversees work of colleagues and unit. - Performs 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; Takes 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.

Managing performance - Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Judgment/decision making - Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; Makes tough decisions when necessary

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 ten years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, development, disarmament or related areas is required.

Experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting at the international level is required.

Experience in managing staff is required

At least 2 years experience working in or on Latin America political issues is required.

Experience in delivering briefings as well as providing advice and support to senior officials is desirable

At least five 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 desirable.

At least 2 years experience working in transitional justice programmes is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and Spanish (both oral and written) 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 Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 July 2021, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belarus, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, China, Comoros, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Mozambique, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

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.

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.