Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Climate, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Unit (CPSU) of the Policy and Mediation Division (PMD) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) of the United Nations. The CPSU serves as a focal point for DPPA on issues related to the interlinkages between climate change, peace, and security. It acts as the lead representative for DPPA in the Climate Security Mechanism, collaborating with various UN bodies to integrate climate considerations into political analysis and peacebuilding efforts. The organization is committed to enhancing peace and security through a comprehensive understanding of climate-related challenges.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in providing technical advice to special political missions and partners regarding the integration of climate considerations into prevention, peacemaking, and peacebuilding strategies. The incumbent will monitor policy developments in the climate, peace, and security nexus, conduct relevant research, and develop expertise in specific thematic areas. This position requires active participation in the interagency Climate Security Mechanism, supporting knowledge management, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts. The officer will gather and analyze information from various sources, maintain up-to-date knowledge of political issues, and provide advice to field missions and UN agencies. The role also involves maintaining contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations, monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups, and participating in missions to countries within the assigned area of responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide technical advice on climate, peace, and security linkages to special political missions and partners.
• Monitor policy developments and conduct research in the area of climate, peace, and security.
• Support DPPA’s participation in the Climate Security Mechanism and facilitate joint knowledge management and advocacy efforts.
• Analyze information from various communications and publications.
• Stay informed about political issues affecting the countries and thematic mandates of responsibility.
• Provide inputs on trends and developments to senior officials and colleagues.
• Monitor national and regional political developments and advise field missions.
• Provide technical and substantive support in implementing mandates.
• Maintain contacts with UN sectors, international organizations, and governments. 1
• Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups and NGOs. 1
• Participate in fact-finding missions to relevant countries. 1
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess extensive knowledge of peace and security issues, particularly regarding the interlinkages between climate change and security. They should demonstrate experience in managing intersectoral consultation processes and conducting multi-dimensional risk assessments. Knowledge of the UN System and its work in peace and security, including project management practices, is essential. Candidates must also show the ability to represent departmental positions and work collaboratively in interagency processes. A strong commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation is required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international relations is required. Candidates should have experience in political analysis, policy development, and multi-stakeholder coordination. Knowledge of the peace and security work of the United Nations is essential, along with experience supporting or backstopping field missions. Experience working in West and Central Africa and/or the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is required, and experience in climate and environmental governance is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed through extra-budgetary funds and is temporarily available until 31 December 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 be restricted to internal candidates. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not charge any fees, and candidates must provide complete and accurate information in their applications.