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

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within 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 has dual reporting responsibilities to the Under Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations.

Job Overview:
The Director, Political Affairs/Deputy Head of Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the operations and performance of PBPSO. The incumbent will lead the senior management team, manage the office's administration, and ensure effective implementation of personnel and reform strategies. The role involves acting on behalf of the ASG on policy and operational matters, providing strategic leadership, and guiding PBPSO's work in support of the Peacebuilding Commission and the UN system. The Director will also oversee the formulation of policy proposals related to peacebuilding and peace support, develop peacebuilding strategies, and ensure programmatic and policy coordination with various UN entities. The position requires maintaining regular contact with senior mission leadership and developing partnerships with external stakeholders, particularly in Africa. The Director will also coordinate the preparation of reports for inter-governmental bodies and represent PBPSO in various senior coordination forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for leading PBPSO's senior management team, managing the performance and administration of the office, and overseeing its operations. This includes performance management of senior personnel, implementing PBPSO's personnel and reform strategy, and ensuring efficient administration. The Director will act on behalf of the ASG on policy and operational matters, provide strategic leadership, and guide PBPSO's work in support of the Peacebuilding Commission. Responsibilities also include overseeing the formulation of policy proposals, leading efforts to develop peacebuilding strategies, ensuring programmatic and policy coordination with UN entities, maintaining contact with senior mission leadership, developing partnerships with external stakeholders, preparing reports for inter-governmental bodies, and representing PBPSO in various meetings and forums. The Director will also chair meetings, engage in substantive discussions, and perform other related duties as requested by senior management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced knowledge and experience in the development of policy and strategy on peacebuilding and related issues. They should have the ability to produce and review reports on technical and policy issues, as well as knowledge of UN policies, management, administrative, budgetary, and staffing systems. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and effectively. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and leadership, with a commitment to gender balance and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to make mature judgments, resourcefulness, and energy to provide strategic direction are also required.

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:
Candidates must have at least fifteen years of progressively responsible international experience in peacebuilding, post-conflict and crisis transition, governance, and programmatic activities and management. Experience working in conflict, post-conflict, and transition countries with peacebuilding activities is essential. Additionally, experience representing an organization or institution at senior levels is required, while experience in results-based management is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, while French is desirable. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and candidates should meet the minimum required level for each skill in these languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify the contract duration, seniority level, or whether it is full-time or part-time. However, it is important to note that the position is based in New York City, United States, and may involve international collaboration and representation at various levels within the UN system.