Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, specifically in the Policy and Mediation Division's Guidance and Learning Unit. This department is dedicated to developing and maintaining strategies for knowledge management, guidance, lessons learned, and training related to political missions. The organization focuses on integration, transitions, and mission planning, and collaborates closely with various teams within the division. The UN aims to uphold high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in facilitating and preparing guidance materials for the Department, particularly in priority gap areas. This includes gathering, selecting, and analyzing information from various communications and publications. The officer will conduct knowledge management and lessons learning exercises, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of political issues affecting specific countries and thematic mandates. The role involves participating in assessments and planning missions, monitoring political developments, and providing technical support for the implementation of mandates. The officer will also maintain contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations, ensuring effective coordination and policy matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer's responsibilities include: facilitating and preparing guidance materials; conducting knowledge management and lessons learning exercises; maintaining current knowledge of political issues; participating in assessments and planning missions; monitoring national and regional political developments; providing technical and substantive support for mandate implementation; maintaining contacts with UN sectors and international organizations; monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups and NGOs; selecting and classifying guidance and training materials; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of the UN system, particularly in peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. They should have excellent research, analytical, and drafting skills, with the ability to analyze complex political processes. A track record in knowledge management and learning related to peace and security is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

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 work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

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. Candidates must have experience in political analysis, guidance development, knowledge management, and lessons learning in peace and security. Experience supporting Special Political Missions and working with UN peacekeeping operations is also required, along with experience in mainstreaming gender, peace, and security into training and guidance activities being desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. Candidates will undergo reference checks and may be subject to an initial probationary period of one year.