Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Protection of Civilians Team in the Policy and Best Practices Service of the Division for Policy, Evaluation and Training in the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The DPO is responsible for providing political and executive direction to UN Peacekeeping operations globally, maintaining contact with the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties involved in conflicts to implement Security Council mandates. The Policy, Evaluation and Training Division (DPET) is tasked with developing and disseminating policies and doctrines that guide UN peacekeeping efforts, evaluating how these policies are applied, and gathering lessons learned to inform training and operational strategies. DPET also fosters strategic cooperation with various UN and external partners to enhance peacekeeping effectiveness.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in the Protection of Civilians (POC) mandate implementation within peace operations. This position requires the officer to gather, select, and analyze information from various sources, including media, to maintain an up-to-date understanding of political issues affecting POC mandates. The officer will collaborate with other protection actors, including member states and stakeholders, to ensure a unified approach to POC implementation. The role involves monitoring political developments at national and regional levels, advising field missions on POC strategies, and providing technical support in developing guidance and training materials related to POC. The officer will also maintain contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations to coordinate policy matters and participate in missions to countries within their area of responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including: gathering and analyzing information from communications and publications; maintaining knowledge of political issues related to POC mandates; collaborating with protection actors to ensure a common understanding of POC; monitoring political developments and advising field missions; providing technical support in developing POC-related guidance and training materials; maintaining contacts with UN sectors and international organizations; monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups and NGOs; participating in fact-finding missions; preparing meetings for senior officials; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of peacekeeping operations and the challenges associated with implementing POC mandates. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze political, ethnic, and social issues that contribute to civil unrest. The role requires professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Candidates should show a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

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.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or a related area is required. This must include at least three years of experience specifically in protection of civilians. Candidates should have experience in peacekeeping operations with POC mandates, backstopping field missions, and developing policy and guidance for POC. Engagement with Member States and intergovernmental bodies on POC issues is also required.

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, also at UN Level III proficiency.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available from January 16, 2026, to December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station, depending on funding sources. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a non-smoking environment.