Director, Political Affairs/Deputy Head of Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Peace Support (PBPSO), which is part of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). PBPSO was established following the integration of DPPA's Peacebuilding Support Office with three offices from the Office of Rule of Law and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Institutions (OROLSI) of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). This reorganization was endorsed by A/RES/80/242 on December 31, 202

• PBPSO consists of seven main sections, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Section, Justice and Corrections Service, Security Sector Reform Unit, Peacebuilding Commission Support Branch, Peacebuilding Strategy and Partnerships Branch, and the Peacebuilding Fund Branch. The office is led by an Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) who reports to both the Under Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations. The mission of PBPSO is to support peacebuilding initiatives and enhance the effectiveness of the UN's peace support efforts globally.

Job Overview:
The Director, Political Affairs/Deputy Head of Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office will lead PBPSO's senior management team and oversee the performance and administration of the office. This includes managing senior personnel, implementing personnel and reform strategies, and enhancing organizational results. The incumbent will act on behalf of the ASG on policy and operational matters, providing strategic leadership and guidance to PBPSO's work in support of the Peacebuilding Commission and the UN system. The role involves formulating policy proposals on peacebuilding and peace support, identifying emerging issues, and analyzing implications to recommend strategies. The Director will also develop peacebuilding strategies, coordinate with UN entities, maintain contact with senior mission leadership, and foster partnerships with external stakeholders, particularly in Africa. The position requires a strong focus on programmatic and policy coordination, as well as representation of PBPSO in senior coordination forums and strategic planning exercises.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for leading PBPSO's senior management team, managing office performance and administration, overseeing personnel management, and implementing reform strategies. They will act on behalf of the ASG regarding policy and operational matters, providing strategic leadership and guidance. The Director will oversee the formulation of policy proposals on peacebuilding, monitor stabilization efforts in post-conflict countries, and advise UN leadership on relevant issues. They will ensure programmatic and policy coordination with UN entities, maintain regular contact with senior mission leadership, and develop partnerships with external stakeholders. The role includes preparing reports for inter-governmental bodies, representing PBPSO in meetings, and undertaking programmatic and administrative tasks as necessary. The Director will chair meetings, provide substantive expertise, and perform other related duties as requested by senior management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced knowledge of peacebuilding policy and strategy, with a broad geographical understanding. They should have the ability to produce and review reports on technical and policy issues, communicate complex concepts effectively, and demonstrate professionalism in their work. The role requires a strong commitment to accountability, effective communication skills, and leadership capabilities. Candidates should be able to tailor their communication style to different audiences and demonstrate openness in sharing information. They must also show persistence in problem-solving and take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political sciences, international relations, social sciences, finance, business administration, management, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
At least fifteen years of progressively responsible international experience in peacebuilding, post-conflict and crisis transition, governance, and programmatic management is required. Candidates must have experience working in conflict or post-conflict countries and have represented an organization at senior levels. Experience in results-based management is 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 desirable, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may require staff to move periodically to different functions or duty stations. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members must fulfill lateral move requirements to be eligible for this vacancy. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.