Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Conventional Arms Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (CAB/UNODA). The United Nations was established in 1945 and has since grown to include 193 member states. The mission of the UNODA is to promote disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons, ensuring global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization operates in various countries around the world, focusing on issues related to disarmament, arms control, and international security. The UNODA plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation and assistance in disarmament efforts, particularly in the area of conventional arms management.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for providing substantive and procedural support to implement the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management, as established by General Assembly resolution 78/4

• This role involves addressing existing gaps in through-life ammunition management and enhancing international cooperation and assistance at various levels. The incumbent will also contribute to the strengthening of the UN SaferGuard Programme, which serves as the UN's knowledge management platform on conventional ammunition issues. The position requires a deep understanding of political issues related to disarmament and arms control, particularly concerning conventional ammunition management. The officer will be expected to gather and analyze information from various sources, maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant political developments, and provide technical support for the implementation of branch mandates. Additionally, the officer will engage with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments to coordinate policy matters related to conventional ammunition management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: gathering, selecting, and analyzing information from communications and publications; maintaining knowledge of political issues affecting disarmament and arms control; monitoring political developments at national and regional levels; providing technical and substantive support for the implementation of branch mandates; maintaining contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations; participating in project development and evaluation; monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups and NGOs; providing support for meetings and outreach activities; preparing reports and presentations; and collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making. The officer will also perform other related duties as required, demonstrating a commitment to professionalism and effective planning and organization.

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. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying 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, ethnic, racial, social, and economic issues that contribute to civil unrest, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as political science, international relations, international economics, law, or public administration. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by qualifying experience. Additionally, completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is considered desirable, indicating a preference for candidates with a strong analytical skill set.

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. Specifically, candidates must have at least two years of experience in conventional arms and ammunition control related to the global framework for through-life conventional ammunition management. Experience in program management and data analytics is also desirable, highlighting the need for candidates who can effectively manage projects and analyze data to inform decision-making.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in either English or French is required. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages, ensuring they can effectively communicate and collaborate within the UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The job is likely to be full-time, and while specific contract duration details are not provided, positions within the UN typically involve long-term commitments. The role may involve international recruitment, given the global nature of the UN's work. Compensation and benefits are generally aligned with UN standards, which include competitive salaries, health insurance, and retirement plans. The position may also require travel for meetings and conferences, depending on the needs of the organization.