Political Affairs Officer

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 among different mediation initiatives. It operates within the framework of the United Nations and is committed to promoting peace and stability in the region.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan. This position involves gathering, selecting, and analyzing information related to Sudan from various sources, including the press. The officer will maintain up-to-date knowledge of political issues affecting Sudan and provide insights to senior officials and colleagues. The role requires monitoring national and regional political developments, advising field missions and UN agencies, and providing technical support in implementing the office's mandates. The officer will also be responsible for maintaining contacts with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments, as well as participating in conferences and seminars relevant to their area of expertise. The position demands strong analytical skills to identify trends and patterns, enabling data-driven decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Gathering and analyzing information on Sudan from diverse sources.
• Keeping abreast of political developments and providing inputs to senior officials.
• Monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups and UN organizations.
• Maintaining computerized databases of relevant information.
• Participating in fact-finding missions and conferences.
• Preparing meetings for senior leadership, including drafting notes and background papers.
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights through data visualization methods.
• Performing other related duties as required, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with colleagues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of the UN's role in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conflict resolution. They should have the ability to evaluate political situations, draft cogent analyses, and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders. The position requires a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Strong professionalism, teamwork, and planning skills are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social science, economics, law, public administration, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, development management, conflict resolution, or a related area is required. Candidates must have at least two years of field experience in a UN peace operation or a similar international organization, with experience working in Africa and in conflict or post-conflict settings. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, and reporting is required, along with experience supporting good offices or mediation efforts as part of a political or peace process. Experience working on peace and security issues in Sudan is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in all skills. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for further details on language requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by the Office of Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan (OPESG) and is initially for a period of one year, subject to availability of the post or funds. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from female candidates and individuals from underrepresented member states. The recruitment process will adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.