Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Central African Republic (CAR) Integrated Operational Team (IOT) of the Central and Southern Africa Division, part of the Africa Office within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The organization focuses on political and peacebuilding affairs, aiming to stabilize regions affected by conflict and promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The United Nations, established in 1945, operates globally with a mission to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress, better living standards, and human rights. The organization employs thousands of staff across various countries, working collaboratively to address global challenges and foster international cooperation.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in the daily management of peacekeeping operations, specifically the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). This position requires the officer to gather, select, and analyze information from various sources, including press communications and publications, to maintain an up-to-date understanding of political issues affecting the assigned countries and thematic mandates. The officer will monitor national and regional political developments, providing advice to field missions and UN agencies. Additionally, the role involves providing technical and substantive support for the implementation of mandates, maintaining contacts with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments, and participating in fact-finding missions. The officer will also prepare meetings for senior officials and perform other related duties as required, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, communication, and teamwork in achieving organizational goals.

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

• Participating in the daily management of peacekeeping operations, particularly MINUSCA.
• Gathering, selecting, and analyzing information from various sources to stay informed about political issues.
• Keeping abreast of trends and developments in the area of assignment and providing inputs to senior officials.
• Monitoring political developments at national and regional levels and advising field missions and UN agencies.
• Providing technical and substantive support for the implementation of mandates.
• Maintaining contacts with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments for coordination and policy matters.
• Monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups and organizations.
• Selecting, classifying, and storing information in computerized databases related to potential disputes and conflicts.
• Participating in fact-finding missions to countries within the assigned area. 1
• Providing secretariat services to various UN bodies and preparing meetings for senior officials. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, or public administration. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a strong understanding of political dynamics and the ability to analyze complex situations effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as political science, international relations, international economics, law, or public administration. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by relevant experience, highlighting the importance of formal education in understanding the complexities of international political affairs.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience in political science, international relations, conflict resolution, or a related area is required. Additionally, candidates must have at least one year of experience in a peacekeeping operation in Africa in a civilian capacity. Experience working on peace and security issues related to Africa is essential, along with a proven track record in drafting political analysis and diplomatic correspondence. Experience in research and analysis on issues related to the Central African Republic is desirable, emphasizing the need for practical experience in the field.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency according to the UN Language Framework, with English at UN Level II and French at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This bilingual requirement underscores the importance of effective communication in a multicultural and multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender balance and geographical diversity in its recruitment process. The position may involve an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment, and candidates must adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring procedure.