Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) of the Department of Political Affairs (DPA) at Headquarters in New York. EAD supports the Focal Point for Electoral Assistance, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, in reviewing Member States’ requests for electoral assistance and ensuring coordination, coherence and consistency in UN’s electoral assistance activities. The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Team Leader in EAD’s Country Support Cluster.

Responsibilities

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

？Gathers and analyses information to maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political and electoral 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 political and electoral trends and developments in the countries assigned.

？Monitors electoral and political developments and provides substantive support and advice to electoral missions/projects, including on project formulation, operational planning and budget.

？Monitors electoral-related activities planned or undertaken by intergovernmental, government and non-governmental organizations, as well as UN entities in the countries assigned.

？ Participates in needs assessment missions to evaluate Member States’ requests for electoral assistance, project formulation missions and/or expert advisory missions to UN operations and field offices.

？Prepares analytical reports on electoral matters of concern for relevant UN entities; drafts notes, background papers, talking points and other correspondence for senior UN officials as required.

？Liaises regularly with counterparts in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Department of Political Affairs, UNDP and other Departments, Agencies and Programmes of the UN System on electoral issues and policy development.

？Participates in seminars and other academic fora related to electoral issues as required.

？Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

？PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify and analyse political, and socio-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.

？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, law, public administration, 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

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international affairs, multilateral diplomacy, electoral assistance or related field is required. A minimum three years of experience in implementing, supporting, or advising on electoral processes is required. Experience working in a field operation of the United Nations Common System (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN regional commissions, agencies, funds, and programmes) - or similar international organization is desirable.

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 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.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 August 2018, 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, Mozambique, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, 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.

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.