Senior Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) was established in 2005 and operates within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) of the United Nations. Its mission is to sustain peace by fostering international support for nationally owned and led peacebuilding efforts. The PBSO assists and supports the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), manages the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) on behalf of the Secretary-General, and works to enhance system-wide coherence and partnerships with both UN and non-UN actors in support of building and sustaining peace in relevant countries. The DPPA focuses on five action areas in international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, including sound analysis and early warning, conflict prevention, peacemaking, political crisis management, and sustaining peace. The Department's mandate is to prevent and resolve conflict through inclusive political solutions, making it a critical player in the international peace and security landscape.

Job Overview:
The Senior Political Affairs Officer will play a pivotal role in the Peacebuilding Commission Support Branch within the Peacebuilding Support Office. Reporting directly to the Chief of the Branch, the incumbent will be responsible for providing guidance and supervision to the Country Support Unit, ensuring effective backstopping to various desks, including support to the PBC Chair and members. The officer will lead the formulation of annual work plans for the Unit and contribute to the Branch's work plan. The position involves monitoring political situations in countries on the PBC agenda, identifying opportunities and threats to peacebuilding processes, and recommending actions to the Chair and PBSO leadership. Additionally, the officer will establish and strengthen partnerships with regional and global stakeholders, enhancing collaboration with other UN entities and participating in national, regional, or international meetings as necessary. This role requires a deep understanding of peacebuilding challenges and the ability to integrate knowledge of specific contexts with broader policy objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Guidance and Supervision of Country Support Unit: Provide guidance to desk officers, ensuring effective backstopping to various desks, including support to the PBC Chair and members; lead the formulation of Unit annual work plans and monitor their implementation; coordinate the day-to-day work of the Desks; develop tools for PBC engagement with countries and methodologies for tracking peacebuilding progress; lead the development of high-quality policy papers and reports for intergovernmental bodies; ensure administrative effectiveness of the Branch.
• Monitoring Political Situations: Monitor trends in countries on the PBC agenda, identify opportunities and threats to peacebuilding, and recommend actions; support the identification of candidate countries for PBC agenda inclusion; monitor key peacebuilding issues and support PBSO leadership in dealings with those countries.
• Establishing/Strengthening Partnerships: Identify strategic partnership opportunities with stakeholders and lead efforts to establish or strengthen them; enhance partnerships with other UN entities; support PBSO leadership in interactions with UN leadership at the country level; participate in relevant meetings as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in political science, international relations, development management, or a related area. Experience providing substantive advice and support to Member States is essential, along with experience in international or multi-lateral organizations supporting intergovernmental or political processes. Candidates should have experience working on political issues, policy development, and devising political strategies for senior officials. Additionally, experience managing complex political operations involving diverse national and international stakeholders in conflict or post-conflict settings is required, as well as at least two years of field experience, particularly in UN peace operations or complex environments.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international relations, political or social sciences, public or business administration, development studies, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields such as political science, international relations, or development management. Candidates should have substantial experience in providing advice and support to Member States and in working within international or multi-lateral organizations, particularly in political processes. Experience in managing complex political operations in conflict or post-conflict settings is also essential, along with at least two years of field experience in UN peace operations or similar environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 1 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 candidates based at the duty station, and may also be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. Staff members reaching the mandatory age of separation within the duration of the temporary need period are not eligible to apply. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.