Special Assistant, Political Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan (OPESG-SUDAN) is dedicated to leading good offices and political engagement with various stakeholders to enhance efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Sudan. The organization focuses on fostering coherence, coordination, and integration of mediation initiatives to relaunch a credible political process in the region. The office is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and plays a crucial role in diplomatic efforts concerning Sudan.

Job Overview:
The Special Assistant, Political Affairs, will be a key figure in the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, reporting directly to the Personal Envoy. This role involves a comprehensive understanding of political dynamics in Sudan and the surrounding region. The Special Assistant will be responsible for identifying, analyzing, and monitoring significant political developments and trends, as well as emerging issues related to the Envoy's mandate. The position requires the ability to assess implications and recommend policies and strategies to address concerns and advance objectives. The Special Assistant will also be tasked with keeping the Personal Envoy informed on critical matters, organizing official meetings and events, preparing written summaries, and coordinating reports and analytical documents. The role demands collaboration with various stakeholders, including national and international partners, to develop strategies addressing political challenges. Additionally, the Special Assistant will contribute to the formulation and implementation of the Office's work program and support planning and budgetary processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Special Assistant include:

• Identifying, analyzing, and monitoring key political developments and trends in Sudan and the region.
• Assessing implications and making recommendations on policies and strategies to address issues of concern.
• Keeping the Personal Envoy informed and assisting in formulating options for handling critical matters.
• Planning, organizing, and managing official meetings, events, and visits for the Personal Envoy.
• Preparing written summaries of meetings and assisting with follow-up activities.
• Coordinating and drafting summary and analytical reports, including situation reports and briefing notes.
• Preparing contextual information materials relevant to the assigned portfolio.
• Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholders for information-sharing and policy coordination.
• Participating in fact-finding missions as required. 1
• Contributing to the Office’s program of work and supporting planning and budgetary processes. 1
• Supervising and mentoring staff, assisting in the selection of new staff, and performing other relevant duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of the UN's role in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conflict resolution. They should have a strong grasp of political and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security dynamics in Sudan and the region, along with the ability to evaluate political situations and build effective relationships with stakeholders. The ability to draft and produce cogent analyses of political, social, and economic events is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen, interpret messages, and tailor communication to different audiences, are also required. Additionally, candidates should be adept at planning and organizing, with the ability to set clear goals and adjust priorities as necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related fields 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.

Experience:
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 is required. Candidates must have at least three years of experience in political outreach, mediation, or facilitation, as well as experience working as a Special Assistant or in a similar capacity to a senior official in the United Nations or a similar international organization. Additionally, a minimum of three years of field experience in political affairs within a UN peace operation or a similar international organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required, along with some experience working in Africa, particularly on Sudan.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in these languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan (OPESG). The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to the availability of the post or funds, and budgetary approval. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from female candidates and individuals from unrepresented or underrepresented Member States. Candidates will be subject to reference checks, and the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.