Associate Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Policy and Best Practices Service in the Policy, Evaluation and Training Division of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) at the United Nations. The DPO is responsible for providing political and executive direction to UN Peacekeeping operations and maintaining contact with the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict. The Policy and Best Practices Service aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations through the exchange of good practices, development of guidance material, and thematic policy support. The organization is committed to integrating efforts from UN, governmental, and non-governmental entities in peacekeeping contexts, and leads several reform processes to improve operational outcomes.

Job Overview:
The Associate Political Affairs Officer will support the DPO secretariat function of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C34) and assist in various tasks related to peacekeeping operations. This role involves organizing field trips for C34 members, analyzing information from diverse sources, liaising with UN Secretariat and Member States on policy issues, and preparing written outputs such as background papers and analytical notes. The officer will monitor political and socio-economic developments, support policy development, manage program-related tasks, and participate in survey initiatives. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively within a team to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Political Affairs Officer will perform a variety of duties including: providing support to the DPO secretariat function of the C34, organizing and supporting annual field trips to peacekeeping missions, analyzing communications and publications, maintaining knowledge of political issues, liaising with UN and Member States on policy matters, preparing written outputs, monitoring relevant developments, supporting program management tasks, managing the online repository of C-34 recommendations, participating in survey initiatives, and performing other related duties as required. This role demands a high level of professionalism, communication skills, and teamwork to effectively contribute to the objectives of the DPO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in relevant areas such as political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Experience in providing secretariat support to intergovernmental bodies and working with Member States delegates is desirable, as is experience in program management.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related area is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform the duties effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution. Candidates with experience in providing secretariat support to intergovernmental bodies and working with Member States delegates will be preferred. Experience in program management is also desirable, indicating a well-rounded background in relevant operational contexts.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication within the UN Secretariat and with Member States.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days, starting from June 1, 202

• If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position is limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment and adheres to strict standards regarding the recruitment process, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and organizational needs.