Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan (OPESG-SUDAN) is dedicated to enhancing political engagement and mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The organization aims to foster coherence and coordination among various stakeholders, including Sudanese authorities, regional players, and international partners. The office is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and promoting peace in the region.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will be a key player in the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, tasked with gathering and analyzing information pertinent to Sudan's political landscape. This role requires maintaining an up-to-date understanding of political developments and trends affecting Sudan, providing insights and advice to senior officials, and supporting the implementation of the office's mandates. The officer will also engage with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and international organizations, to ensure effective coordination and policy alignment. The position demands a proactive approach to monitoring political developments and contributing to the overall mission of fostering peace and stability in Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: gathering, selecting, and analyzing information on Sudan from various sources; maintaining current knowledge of political issues affecting Sudan; advising field missions and UN agencies on political developments; providing technical support for the office's mandates; maintaining contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations; monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups and NGOs; classifying and storing information in databases; participating in fact-finding missions; preparing meetings for senior leadership; drafting notes, background papers, and speeches; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong knowledge of the UN's role in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conflict resolution, particularly in relation to Sudan. They should demonstrate the ability to evaluate political situations, build effective relationships with stakeholders, and produce cogent analyses of political events. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Additionally, candidates should exhibit professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's 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:
Candidates must have 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. At least two years of field experience in a UN peace operation or a similar international organization is required, along with experience working in Africa and in conflict or post-conflict settings. A minimum of three years of experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, and reporting is also necessary. Experience supporting mediation efforts as part of a political or peace process is required, and experience in data analytics is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, while French is desirable. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and candidates should meet the minimum required level for each skill in these languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify the contract duration, seniority level, or whether it is full-time or part-time. However, it is important to note that the position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and may involve international recruitment. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.