Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Special Envoy for Syria (OSE-Syria) is a United Nations entity established to facilitate a political solution to the ongoing conflict in Syria. The organization aims to support the peace process and promote dialogue among various stakeholders in the region. It operates within the framework of the United Nations and collaborates with various international and local partners to address the complex political and humanitarian issues in Syria. The office is located in Damascus and is staffed by a team of professionals dedicated to advancing peace and stability in the region.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer position is critical within the Office of the Special Envoy for Syria, where the incumbent will be responsible for identifying and analyzing emerging political and socio-economic issues that pertain to the UN's mandate in Syria. This role requires a deep understanding of the political landscape and the ability to generate timely and accurate analyses that support decision-making and policy development. The officer will monitor political, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and military events, assess their implications, and recommend strategies for addressing political challenges. The position also involves maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant events and trends, preparing analytical reports, and providing high-quality written inputs to senior officials. The officer will develop and maintain a network of contacts, participate in field missions, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of the office's work program, ensuring that data-driven insights are utilized for effective planning and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: identifying and analyzing emerging political and socio-economic issues; generating integrated analyses and assessments; monitoring and analyzing political, security, and military trends; preparing analytical reports and briefing notes; maintaining a network of contacts with local authorities, UN agencies, and civil society actors; planning and participating in field missions; supporting official meetings and events; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and performing other relevant duties as required. The officer will also be expected to contribute to the office's program of work and ensure that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in political science, international relations, or related fields, with a focus on political issues, international development, and conflict resolution. The role requires a demonstrated ability to analyze complex political situations and propose actionable solutions. Candidates should exhibit professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. The position demands a commitment to gender equality and the ability to incorporate diverse perspectives into the work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or other related fields is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political issues, international relations, law, diplomacy, disarmament, security, international development, or conflict resolution is required. Candidates should have experience specifically related to Middle East issues, particularly Syria, and experience in mediation, dialogue, or facilitation processes is desirable. Familiarity with data analytics or related fields is also beneficial.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for each skill in these languages as per the UN Language Framework, which can be referenced at the UN languages website.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify the contract duration or seniority level, but it is implied that the position is full-time and based in Damascus, Syria. The role may involve international collaboration and engagement with various stakeholders in the region. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.