Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO) of the United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates globally with a presence in numerous countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various missions and initiatives aimed at fostering international collaboration and addressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the Assistant Secretary-General overseeing Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas. This position involves providing high-level advice and recommendations to senior officials, ensuring that quality standards are met for the advice and briefings provided by the organization. The officer will be responsible for communicating senior-level decisions and guidance to relevant desks within DPPA-DPO, ensuring effective implementation of these decisions. The role requires a deep understanding of political issues and the ability to analyze information from various sources, including the press, to maintain up-to-date knowledge of events affecting the countries and thematic mandates under the officer's responsibility. The officer will also provide technical and substantive support in implementing the mandates of the office, maintain contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations, and monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups and NGOs. Additionally, the officer will draft and review project proposals and budgets, prepare reports, and organize meetings with senior officials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Advising senior officials on key political issues and ensuring quality standards for advice and recommendations.
• Communicating decisions and guidance from senior leadership to relevant desks and ensuring implementation.
• Gathering, selecting, and analyzing information from various sources, including press communications.
• Maintaining current knowledge of political events and trends affecting assigned countries and thematic mandates.
• Providing technical and substantive support for the implementation of office mandates.
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments for coordination and policy matters.
• Monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, and NGOs.
• Drafting and reviewing project proposals and budgets for extra-budgetary funds, monitoring project implementation, and preparing project reports.
• Organizing meetings for senior officials with representatives from countries under the UN's purview. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, International Economics, Law, Public Administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of political science and international relations, as well as the ability to engage effectively with senior officials and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Political Science, International Relations, International Economics, Law, or Public Administration is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience, emphasizing the importance of both education and practical experience in this role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, security, conflict resolution, or a related area. This experience should include drafting sensitive political analysis and diplomatic correspondence. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of experience in a front office supporting UN or similar senior officials, with at least two years focused on political, prevention, and/or peacekeeping issues related to the Americas and Europe/Central Asia. A minimum of one year of policy experience in UN peace and security issues is also required.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of either French or Spanish is desirable. Candidates should be familiar with the UN Language Framework, which outlines the minimum required proficiency levels for each language skill.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is based in New York City. It is essential for candidates to demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and effective communication abilities. The role may involve high-level political engagement and preventive diplomacy, requiring the officer to remain calm under pressure and to incorporate gender perspectives in all areas of work. The UN offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development and engagement in global issues.