Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the United Nations, specifically under the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (PESG) for Sudan. The UN is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various humanitarian, developmental, and peacekeeping efforts. The UN aims to foster international collaboration to address global challenges and uphold human rights, with a commitment to gender equality and diversity in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, focusing on political engagement and mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This position requires a deep understanding of the political landscape in Sudan and the surrounding region, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, regional actors, and international partners. The officer will be responsible for planning and implementing operational activities related to political affairs, conflict prevention, and resolution, ensuring that a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach is integrated into all initiatives. The role involves providing technical expertise on security stabilization arrangements, coordinating research and analysis on political and security issues, and preparing briefing materials for senior officials. The officer will also represent the team in various forums and contribute to the formulation of the unit's work program and budget.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including: planning and implementing operational activities related to political affairs and conflict resolution; providing technical expertise on ceasefire and security arrangements; coordinating research and analysis on political and security issues; preparing briefing notes and talking points for senior officials; advising on negotiation strategies and managing operations involving civilian, military, or humanitarian components; developing and maintaining relationships with government officials; designing conflict resolution and mediation initiatives; assisting in planning and supporting inter-agency programs; and performing other related duties as required. The officer will need to demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills to achieve the unit's goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough knowledge of the UN's role in preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution, as well as a strong understanding of the political and security dynamics in Sudan. The ability to evaluate complex political situations, draft analytical reports, and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders is essential. The officer should also demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in all areas of work. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are critical 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 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, or conflict resolution is required. Candidates must have at least two years of field experience in political affairs within a UN peace operation or a similar international organization, with experience in conflict or post-conflict settings. Additionally, three years of experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, and reporting is necessary, along with experience in supporting mediation efforts and working on security arrangements and ceasefires, particularly in the Horn of Africa region.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Arabic is considered a desirable language, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 202

• If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates and is subject to the funding source. The UN is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the UN does not request personal banking information from applicants.