Senior Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (USG) for the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) of the United Nations. The DPPA is responsible for providing overall policy direction, supervision, and management of the Department, which focuses on international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The Department's mission is to prevent and resolve conflicts through inclusive political solutions, ensuring sound analysis and early warning, preventing conflict, engaging in peacemaking, managing political crises, and enhancing partnerships. The organization operates globally, addressing various political and security challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in advising the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Chief of Office on security-related matters and trends relevant to the Department. This position involves formulating political affairs strategies, particularly in crisis management and security coordination, and developing policy directives for immediate and long-term solutions to political problems. The officer will also be responsible for planning and implementing operational activities related to conflict prevention, election administration, and governance institution-building, ensuring an integrated approach that incorporates rights-based dimensions and gender perspectives. The role requires collaboration with various departments and agencies, preparing briefing notes for senior officials, and managing research on political issues related to security and crisis management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Political Affairs Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including advising senior officials on security-related matters, representing the DPPA in the Inter-Agency Security Management Network, formulating strategies for crisis management, planning and implementing operational activities, coordinating interdepartmental programs, preparing briefing notes for high-level officials, designing initiatives, managing complex coordination missions, and supervising research on political issues. The officer will also be expected to perform other related duties as required, demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, client orientation, vision, and sound judgment in decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of the United Nations' work related to political, economic, and social matters, with the ability to evaluate international political and security situations. The role requires excellent management and coordination skills, a commitment to professionalism, and the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively. Teamwork and client orientation are essential, as is the ability to identify strategic issues and make informed decisions. The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to organizational goals and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.

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, highlighting the importance of both education and practical experience in this role.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Candidates must have experience working on safety and security matters in political and peace operation contexts, as well as providing analytical and policy advice on security, politics, and crisis response. Experience in supporting senior officials in an immediate front office setting and working in United Nations or comparable peace operations is essential, with a preference for candidates who have a professional background in law enforcement or crisis management.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French, both oral and written, is required for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, reflecting the organization's commitment to multilingualism and effective communication across diverse contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign staff to various activities or offices of the United Nations. Staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.