Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Eastern Africa Division of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations of the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to maintaining international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promoting sustainable development, and fostering human rights. The UN operates globally, with a mission to address complex global challenges through multilateral cooperation and diplomacy. It was established in 1945 and has a diverse workforce of over 37,000 employees across various countries, working in numerous fields including political affairs, humanitarian assistance, and development.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (O-PESG) for Sudan. This position involves monitoring and analyzing political developments in Sudan, providing strategic recommendations, and drafting reports and correspondence for senior UN officials. The officer will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including international organizations and governments, to facilitate coordination and policy discussions. The role requires a deep understanding of the political landscape in Sudan and the ability to provide timely and relevant advice to senior management on conflict prevention and resolution strategies. The officer will also participate in negotiations and fact-finding missions, contributing to the overall mission of the UN in promoting peace and stability in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: reviewing and monitoring activities in Sudan, assessing trends and emerging issues, and recommending strategies for the implementation of O-PESG’s mandate. The officer will analyze political events and provide early warning advice, prepare analytical reports and papers for the General Assembly and Security Council, and draft notes and correspondence for senior officials. The role also involves acting as a focal point for information collection and analysis, arranging negotiations and missions, and maintaining contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations. The officer will participate in conferences and seminars, carry out administrative functions to support O-PESG operations, and draft operational plans. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough knowledge of the UN's role in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conflict resolution. They should have the ability to analyze complex political situations and provide strategic advice on a broad range of issues. Strong understanding of the political and security dynamics in Sudan and the region is essential. The officer must demonstrate effective relationship-building skills with key stakeholders and the international community, as well as the ability to draft high-quality analyses and reports. Professionalism, communication skills, and planning and organizing abilities are critical for success in this role.

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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or a related area. At least four years of experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, and reporting is required. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of three years of experience providing backstopping support to UN peace operations and experience in advising senior management on conflict prevention and resolution. Experience working on peace and security issues in Sudan is desirable, as is experience liaising with Member States in the context of international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position 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 also be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.