Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Integrated Assessment and Planning Unit of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG), Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The DPO serves as a center of excellence for peace operations, focusing on preventing, responding to, and managing conflict, as well as sustaining peace in various countries. The organization is dedicated to providing support on peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security issues and operates globally, engaging with multiple international entities.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing political activities within a designated country or region. The incumbent will assess trends that could impact the political landscape and provide recommendations for action to the United Nations. This position requires the preparation of analytical reports and papers on sensitive matters for high-level UN bodies, as well as drafting notes, background papers, and speeches for senior officials. The officer will also participate in negotiations and peacekeeping operations, ensuring effective communication and coordination with various stakeholders, including UN staff, national officials, and other international organizations. The role demands a proactive approach to providing timely and relevant information to senior officials, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: reviewing and monitoring activities in the assigned country or region; analyzing political events and providing early warning advice; preparing analytical reports for the General Assembly and Security Council; drafting correspondence for senior UN officials; organizing and supervising Secretariat services; acting as a focal point for political information collection; participating in negotiations and peacekeeping operations; deploying to peace operations as needed; maintaining contacts with various UN sectors and international organizations; developing guidance on mission transitions; participating in conferences and seminars; and performing administrative functions related to staff planning and budget. The officer will also collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for data-driven planning and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor's) with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, or conflict resolution, with at least one year of experience in a UN peace operation. Planning experience in a UN peace operation transitions context and strategic planning experience are also required, along with experience in policy and guidance development and training delivery within UN contexts.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related area is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor's) in the specified fields with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, or conflict resolution. At least one year of experience in a United Nations peace operation is mandatory, along with planning experience in a UN peace operation transitions context and strategic planning experience. Candidates should also have experience in policy and guidance development at UN HQ or in a UN peace operation, as well as experience in designing and delivering training.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and candidates should be able to communicate effectively in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 March 202

• If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates and is financed through extra budgetary resources. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the United Nations does not concern itself with applicants' bank account information.