Head of Office, Political Affairs (Strategic Planning)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The UN was established to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. MINUSCA was created to support the Central African Republic in its efforts to restore peace and stability following years of conflict. The mission aims to protect civilians, support the political process, and facilitate humanitarian assistance. The UN operates in multiple countries worldwide, with a focus on conflict resolution and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Head of Office, Political Affairs (Strategic Planning) is tasked with leading and coordinating the strategic planning and implementation of MINUSCA’s consolidation process. This role is crucial in ensuring a smooth, evidence-based, and nationally owned handover of tasks to the Government of the Central African Republic and/or the UN Country Team. The incumbent will be responsible for developing a consolidation strategic planning framework that aligns with the priorities of the CAR Government and the mandates set by the Security Council. The position requires regular progress reports, risk assessments, and drafting the Secretary-General’s report to the Security Council. The role is pivotal in ensuring that the consolidation process is aligned with the political strategy for 2023-2028 and that it supports the overall objectives of peace and stability in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Office will provide strategic advice to MINUSCA leadership regarding engagement with the host Government, focusing on consolidation strategic planning scenarios, risks, and opportunities. Responsibilities include supporting structured dialogue with the Host Government, formulating a comprehensive consolidation strategic plan, and monitoring performance against established indicators. The incumbent will lead integrated, evidence-based analysis to assess mission impact and evolving conditions, coordinate inputs for the Secretary-General’s mandated report, and ensure timely reporting to Mission leadership. Additionally, the role involves developing productive relationships with various stakeholders, overseeing mission-wide consolidation strategies, and supporting capacity building for Host Government institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in political affairs, program management, project management, and strategic planning. The role requires a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in these fields, particularly in conflict or post-conflict settings. Extensive experience in outreach, facilitation, analysis, and reporting is essential, along with proficiency in using strategic planning tools such as UMOJA and CPAS. The ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and coordinate effectively across various levels of government and civil society is crucial for success in this position.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social science, economics, law, public administration, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the incumbent has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to navigate the complexities of political affairs and strategic planning.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as political affairs, program management, and strategic planning. Candidates should have substantial experience in strategic planning within a mission context, particularly in conflict or post-conflict environments. Familiarity with inter-agency coordination and the ability to work effectively in a field operation of the United Nations or a comparable organization is highly desirable. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the incumbent can effectively lead the consolidation process and engage with various stakeholders.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, with a minimum level of I in all language skills. This bilingual requirement reflects the operational needs of the UN in the Central African Republic and the necessity for effective communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available, and if the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The role may provide the successful applicant with new work experience, but it is for a limited period and does not affect future incumbency of the post. The eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to internal candidates. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates must adhere to the organization's standards of integrity and professionalism.