Senior Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Europe and Central Asia Division (ECAD) of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) of the United Nations. The DPPA was established to support the UN's efforts in maintaining international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and it plays a crucial role in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding. The organization operates in various regions around the world, focusing on political affairs and peacebuilding initiatives. The ECAD specifically addresses issues related to Eastern Europe and Central Asia, working closely with member states and other stakeholders to promote stability and peace in these regions. The DPPA has a diverse workforce, comprising professionals from various backgrounds and expertise, dedicated to the mission of fostering global peace and security through diplomatic means and political engagement.

Job Overview:
The Senior Political Affairs Officer will lead and manage the DPPA Liaison Office in Kyiv, coordinating with the ECAD Eastern Europe Team. This role involves providing regular analytical updates on political developments in Ukraine, which are significant for peace and security, and offering strategic advice for UN actions and support. The incumbent will engage with senior government officials, political leaders, civil society actors, and the diplomatic community to monitor political and security developments and provide comprehensive reporting and analysis. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and implementing policies and initiatives that align with the DPPA's mandate, particularly in areas such as Women, Peace and Security, and local peace initiatives. The officer will also participate in UN coordination mechanisms and provide political advice to the UN Country Team, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders. The role demands a high level of autonomy and the ability to manage complex political contexts, requiring travel across Ukraine as security conditions permit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing regular analytical updates on political developments in Ukraine and their implications for peace and security.
• Developing and maintaining communication channels with senior government officials, political party leaders, and civil society actors.
• Monitoring political and security developments and providing regular reporting to DPPA-ECAD.
• Preparing briefing notes and analytical inputs for senior UN officials.
• Identifying and supporting the implementation of policies and initiatives consistent with DPPA priorities.
• Participating in UN coordination mechanisms and providing political briefings.
• Offering political advice and support to the Office of the RC/HC and the UN Country Team.
• Coordinating with relevant UN agencies on political work and conflict-sensitive programming.
• Undertaking travel for consultations with local interlocutors. 1
• Supporting missions and visits by DPPA officials and senior UN officials. 1
• Managing the liaison office team and overseeing programmatic and substantive work. 1
• Coordinating research on political issues in Ukraine and engaging with local partners. 1
• Ensuring close consultation with DPPA-ECAD on all aspects of the office's work. 1
• Representing DPPA in local and regional conferences and meetings. 1
• Performing other functions as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Excellent political analysis skills and knowledge of conflict prevention and negotiations at the international level.
• Proven political work experience with European countries and organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of issues relevant to Eastern Europe, particularly the conflict situation in Ukraine.
• Familiarity with UN conflict prevention and mediation mechanisms.
• Strong diplomatic, liaison, and representational skills.
• Ability to operate autonomously and manage complex operations.
• Professional competence and a commitment to achieving results.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Client-oriented approach, with the ability to build productive partnerships. 1
• Visionary thinking, with the ability to identify strategic issues and inspire others.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, providing flexibility in the educational requirements for potential candidates.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or a related area is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in field and liaison work with senior government and diplomatic partners in Eastern Europe. Experience working within the United Nations framework, particularly in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peacebuilding, is essential. A proven track record in conducting political analysis and producing high-quality analytical products is also required. Familiarity with the current political situation in Ukraine and experience working with humanitarian, development, and civil society partners at the country level are desirable. Additionally, experience in leading and managing multicultural teams in complex political contexts is necessary.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of either French, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, or Arabic is desirable, providing candidates with an opportunity to enhance their language skills and contribute to the organization's multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve a seniority level commensurate with the responsibilities outlined. The contract duration and specific compensation details are not provided in the job description, but candidates should be prepared for potential international recruitment processes, given the nature of the UN's operations. Benefits typically associated with UN positions may apply, including opportunities for professional development and engagement in meaningful work that contributes to global peace and security.