Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Peacekeeping Operations in the DPKO. The main role of the Office of Operations is to assist the ASG in all aspects of the management of the Office of Operations and in providing political and operational guidance/support to peacekeeping missions. The incumbent reports to the Assistant Secretary-General for Operations through his Special Assistant.

Responsibilities

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

？ Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press.

？ Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible.

？ Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues.

？ Reviews and edits as necessary outgoing cables and other correspondence for the ASG's signature;

？ Coordinates inputs for various notes, code cables and other documents, ensuring accuracy, consistency and quality of content;

？ Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice.

？ Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the Office of Operations.

？ Maintains contacts with other sectors of the United Nations (UN), other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters.

？ Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations.

？ Selects, classifies and stores in computerised databases information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving assigned countries or region.

？ Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility.

？ Participates in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions.

？ Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG/ASG with officials from countries under the Organization's purview.

？ Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

？ PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. 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.

？ 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.

？ CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related. 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

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience working on political and security issues in post-conflict environment is desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

This position is financed by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations. Extension of appointment will be subject to budgetary approval.

Applicants from troop- and police-contributing countries who are found most suitable and recommended for selection will be given due consideration for positions in a peacekeeping operation or Headquarters support account funded positions in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support, taking into account their contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, in accordance with General Assembly resolutions 66/265 and 67/287.