Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Bamako, Gao and Tombouctou. Bamako is classified as a “D” hardship duty station and are both non-family duty stations,Gao and Tombouctou are classified as a “E” hardship duty station and are both non-family duty stations. The incumbent reports to the Deputy Director of Political Affairs Division or the Head of Office, as applicable.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 to support political processes in that country and carry out a number of security-related tasks. By unanimously adopting resolution 2164 of 25 June 2014, the Council further decided that the Mission should focus on duties, such as ensuring security, stabilization and protection of civilians; supporting national political dialogue and reconciliation; and assisting the reestablishment of State authority, the rebuilding of the security sector, and the promotion and protection of human rights in that country. For more information on the mission mandate visit

http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusma.

Responsibilities

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

Political Analysis and Advice

？Identify, analyze and monitor political developments, trends and emerging issues in the country or region assigned, according to the assigned mandate; and

？Assess implications and make recommendations to senior management on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives.

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; and

？Prepare contextual information materials, such as background notes, political profiles and databases of relevance to the assigned portfolio; Manage information to ensure its accessibility and utility.

Planning, Coordination and Facilitation

？Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with UN Common System colleagues and counterparts, Government representatives, civil society actors, military and law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners on information-sharing, policy and coordination matters;

？Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives; Monitor, evaluate and report on mandate implementation; and

？Support preparations for official meetings, events and visits, including through the provision of Secretariat services and by drafting talking points and speeches for senior officials; Participate in fact-finding –and other- missions; Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and assist with follow-up activities, as appropriate.

Management/Administration

？Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the unit’s programme of work; and

？Support planning and budgetary processes for current and future field operations as may be required.

？Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of peace processes; Knowledge of the Malian Government’s structure and mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the peace agreement; Knowledge of the administration and project management; Good communication and analytical skills. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 & 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 degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, peace and security or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Required experience:

- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area.

Desired experience:

- Experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting.

- Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

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.