Special Assistant, Political Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan (OPESG-SUDAN) is dedicated to leading good offices and political engagement with various stakeholders to enhance efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Sudan. The organization focuses on fostering coherence, coordination, and integration of mediation initiatives to relaunch a credible political process. OPESG-SUDAN operates under the auspices of the United Nations and is committed to addressing the complex political landscape in Sudan and the surrounding region.

Job Overview:
The Special Assistant, Political Affairs, plays a crucial role in supporting the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan. This position involves identifying, analyzing, and monitoring key political developments and trends in Sudan and the region. The Special Assistant will assess implications of these developments and make recommendations on policies and strategies to address issues of concern. The role requires close collaboration with the Personal Envoy, assisting in formulating options for handling various matters, and ensuring appropriate follow-up. The Special Assistant will also be responsible for planning and organizing official meetings, events, and visits for the Personal Envoy, providing secretariat services, and preparing written summaries and reports. This position demands a proactive approach to developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with national stakeholders and international partners, as well as contributing to the formulation and implementation of the Office’s program of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Special Assistant will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: identifying and analyzing political developments in Sudan; assessing implications and making policy recommendations; keeping the Personal Envoy informed on matters requiring attention; planning and organizing official meetings and events; preparing written summaries and reports; coordinating and drafting analytical reports; developing contextual information materials; maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholders; consulting with partners to develop strategies; participating in fact-finding missions; and contributing to the Office’s program of work under the guidance of the envoy and Head of Office. The role requires a high level of professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough knowledge of the UN's role in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conflict resolution. They should have a strong understanding of political and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security dynamics in Sudan and the region, with the ability to evaluate political situations and build effective relationships with stakeholders. The ability to draft and produce cogent analyses of political, social, and economic events is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are required, along with the ability to tailor communication to different audiences. Planning and organizing skills are also crucial, including the ability to set clear goals and adjust priorities as needed.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related fields 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, conflict resolution, or a related area is required. Candidates must have at least three years of experience in political outreach, mediation, or facilitation, as well as experience working as a Special Assistant or in a similar capacity to a senior official in the United Nations or a similar international organization. Additionally, a minimum of three years of field experience in political affairs within a UN peace operation or similar international organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required, along with some experience working in Africa, particularly on Sudan.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required at UN Level III, and proficiency in Arabic is also required at UN Level III. Candidates must demonstrate strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in both English and Arabic, as these languages are essential for effective communication in this role.

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

• If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.