Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) is a part of the United Nations, established to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through disarmament initiatives. The ODA operates globally, with a focus on regional centers, including the Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa located in Lomé, Togo. The organization aims to prevent the proliferation of weapons and to support international efforts to combat illicit arms trade. The ODA works with various stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and civil society, to implement disarmament policies and programs. The organization is committed to fostering a safer world through collaborative efforts in disarmament and arms control, and it employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to these goals.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer position is crucial for coordinating and implementing the EU-funded project aimed at supporting the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UN PoA). The incumbent will act as the focal point for this project, which involves gathering, selecting, and analyzing information from various sources, including the press, to maintain an up-to-date understanding of political issues affecting the countries and thematic mandates under their responsibility. The role requires monitoring national and regional political developments and providing advice to field missions and UN agencies. The officer will also be responsible for providing technical and substantive support in implementing the office's mandates, maintaining contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations, and participating in missions to countries within their area of responsibility. The position demands a proactive approach to data analysis and visualization to support decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: coordinating the implementation of the EU-funded project on small arms and light weapons; acting as the focal point for the project; gathering and analyzing information from various sources; maintaining knowledge of political issues and trends; monitoring political developments at national and regional levels; providing technical support for the implementation of mandates; maintaining contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations; participating in missions to countries; providing secretariat services for UN subsidiary organizations and conferences; preparing meetings for ODA and UNREC principals; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and performing other related duties as required. The role requires a strong ability to analyze and interpret data, as well as to communicate findings effectively to management and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, social science, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor’s) in the specified fields with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of political and security issues, particularly in the context of disarmament and arms control.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in relevant fields such as political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or social science. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s) may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant work experience. Additionally, completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is considered an asset, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, conflict resolution, or a related area. Candidates must have experience working on the African continent, particularly on issues related to small arms and light weapons and/or conventional ammunition. Experience in collaborating with regional and sub-regional organizations and government officials on conventional arms control is essential. Desirable experience includes facilitating workshops or training on international peace and security or gender equality, as well as program management. A minimum of two years of experience in data analytics or a related area is also desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, both of which are required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in these languages. Additionally, knowledge of Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese is considered desirable, providing an advantage in communication and collaboration within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Lomé, Togo, and is likely to be a full-time role. The job may involve travel to various countries within the assigned area of responsibility for fact-finding missions and other engagements. The role is positioned at a seniority level that requires significant expertise and experience in political affairs and disarmament. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with United Nations standards, and the organization may consider candidates from various nationalities, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.