Assistant Coordination Officer, Political Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which was established to support the Afghan government and people in achieving peace and stability. The UNAMA operates with a mission to promote human rights, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and support the political process in Afghanistan. The organization has been active since 2002 and employs a diverse workforce across various sectors, focusing on international cooperation and development. UNAMA operates in Afghanistan and collaborates with multiple international and local partners to address the complex challenges faced by the country.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Coordination Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and the Head of UNAMA. This position involves coordinating protocol matters, organizing meetings with key stakeholders, and monitoring the political and socio-economic environment in Afghanistan. The incumbent is expected to provide administrative and logistical support to facilitate the effective functioning of the front office. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying challenges and providing timely advice, ensuring effective communication and information management, and assisting in the preparation of official correspondence and reports. The Assistant Coordination Officer must demonstrate a strong understanding of the political landscape in Afghanistan and engage effectively with various actors, including de facto authorities and diplomatic missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Coordination Officer include:

• Coordinating protocol matters related to the SRSG’s program and organizing meetings with de facto officials, diplomatic missions, civil society actors, and UN agencies.
• Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on trends in the political and socio-economic environment, particularly concerning members of the de facto authorities.
• Identifying key issues and challenges that require immediate support and advice.
• Supporting effective communication and information management, including maintaining databases and attending meetings as requested.
• Providing administrative, human resources-related, and logistical support to facilitate the implementation of day-to-day front office activities.
• Assisting the Special Assistants in preparing drafts of official correspondence, routine and ad hoc situation reports, briefings, and talking points.
• Performing any other duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a first-level university degree, preferably in business administration, management, economics, or a related field. Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize tasks efficiently. The role demands a strong understanding of the political and socio-economic context in Afghanistan, along with experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including de facto authorities and diplomatic missions. Candidates should exhibit persistence in problem-solving and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree is required for this position. The preferred fields of study include business administration, management, economics, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the duties effectively.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in coordinating activities with national authorities and/or international entities. Previous experience in supporting the management of the front office of senior officials is desirable, as is experience in coordinating protocol activities within national or international contexts. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and effectively managing the responsibilities assigned.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, knowledge of Dari and Pashto is also required, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the context of Afghanistan. The candidates should meet the minimum required level for each language skill according to the UN Language Framework, which can be referenced for further details.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is likely to be a full-time role. The contract duration and seniority level may vary, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in a complex and dynamic environment. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN standards, and the organization may consider candidates from both national and international backgrounds.