Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Economic Commission for Africa, which is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in African countries. The organization aims to foster regional integration and cooperation among member states, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration on various issues affecting the continent. The Economic Commission for Africa was established in 1958 and has since been instrumental in addressing key challenges faced by African nations, including economic growth, sustainable development, and social inclusion. It operates in multiple countries across the African continent, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing the region's development agenda.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer plays a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing political developments within a designated region, providing insights and recommendations to senior UN officials. This position requires a deep understanding of the political landscape and the ability to assess trends that may impact the political situation. The officer will be responsible for developing and implementing programs, organizing events, and drafting various documents such as analytic notes and speeches. The role also involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN entities, international organizations, and national governments, to enhance coordination and cooperation. The officer will participate in missions, conferences, and seminars, contributing to the overall objectives of the UN in the region. This position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: reviewing and monitoring political activities in the assigned region, analyzing political events, and providing recommendations to the Head of the Unit. The officer will develop, implement, and evaluate programs, organize workshops and conferences, and draft important documents for senior officials. Additionally, the officer will act as a focal point for collecting and analyzing information on political issues, participate in missions, and maintain regular communication with operational teams and national officials. The role also involves providing up-to-date information on political matters, coordinating with relevant UN entities and other organizations, and participating in academic forums. Administrative functions related to program planning and budget management will also be part of the responsibilities, along with data collection and analysis to support decision-making processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in political science, international relations, or a related field. The position requires advanced analytical skills, the ability to interpret complex data, and a thorough understanding of political, social, and economic issues. The officer should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to incorporate gender perspectives into all areas of work are essential. The candidate should also exhibit strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.

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. Additionally, successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates with a strong analytical background.

Experience:
A minimum of seven 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 should have experience in program and conference management, particularly in relevant geographic regions, demonstrating a track record of organizing events and training workshops. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable, as is familiarity with non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction under international regimes.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, while proficiency in French is also beneficial. Candidates who can communicate in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, or Spanish will have an advantage, as these languages are considered desirable for this role. The UN Language Framework outlines the minimum required proficiency levels for each language skill, which candidates should consult for further details.

Additional Notes:
The job is a temporary position, and while specific contract duration details are not provided, candidates should be prepared for a role that may require flexibility in terms of duration and responsibilities. The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment, depending on the candidate pool. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job posting.