Principal Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, which is part of the United Nations. The UN aims to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, and uphold human rights. The Office focuses on political analysis, strategy, outreach, and reporting in the Great Lakes region, particularly concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Job Overview:
The Principal Political Affairs Officer plays a crucial role in providing direction and coordination for the Office's activities related to political analysis, strategy, outreach, and reporting. This position involves leading the Political Affairs Unit, assessing the implementation of the Peace and Security Cooperation Framework for the DRC, and supporting the Special Envoy's engagements with national and international stakeholders. The officer is expected to devise work plans, develop strategies to address conflicts, and engage with various actors in the region to support the Special Envoy's mandate. The role requires a deep understanding of the political landscape in the Great Lakes region and the ability to navigate complex political issues effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Political Affairs Officer will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: identifying and analyzing political developments related to the Special Envoy's mandate; coordinating the Political Affairs Unit's work; overseeing the preparation of strategic documents; making recommendations to advance objectives; supporting peace and mediation processes; developing strategies to address root causes of conflicts; engaging with national authorities and civil society; monitoring the implementation of the UN Strategy for the Great Lakes Region; ensuring timely and high-quality reporting on political issues; preparing analytical reports and briefings; providing guidance for the Office's political work; managing the Political Affairs Unit's program of work; supervising and mentoring staff; and representing the Special Envoy at meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Law, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of political analysis, international relations, and conflict resolution.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, or Law is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of political affairs in the Great Lakes region.

Experience:
A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or a related field is required. Candidates should have extensive experience in political outreach, analysis, reporting, and negotiation in an international context. Experience in managing large teams and representing an organization at a senior level is also necessary. Familiarity with the UN system and experience in conflict or post-conflict settings are highly desirable, particularly in relation to the Great Lakes region.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of proficiency specified in the UN Language Framework. Candidates must demonstrate strong skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a family duty station in Nairobi, Kenya. The appointment is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is open to candidates from under-represented Member States. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.