UN Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG) operates under the mandate derived from General Assembly resolution 51/77 and subsequent resolutions. The organization focuses on addressing the impact of armed conflict on children and works to promote their rights and protection. The Brussels Liaison Office serves as a critical link between the UN and various stakeholders, including Member States, NGOs, and international organizations. The OSRSG aims to ensure that children's rights are prioritized in conflict situations and that their voices are heard in peace processes. The office is part of a larger UN framework that includes various bodies and institutions dedicated to human rights and child protection, emphasizing collaboration and advocacy on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The UN Political Affairs Officer will play a pivotal role in the Brussels Liaison Office, reporting directly to the Under-Secretary-General (USG) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC). This position requires establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including Member States, UN offices, EU institutions, and NGOs. The officer will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing the implementation of recommendations related to children and armed conflict (CAAC) and disseminating information to relevant entities. The role involves preparing analytical reports and papers on sensitive matters, drafting correspondence for senior officials, and participating in the organization of Secretariat services for the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council. The officer will also act as a focal point for political issues regarding CAAC and provide strategic recommendations to the OSRSG-CAAC. This position demands a proactive approach to advocacy and policy development, as well as the ability to engage with a diverse range of actors in the field of child protection in conflict settings.

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

• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with Member States, UN offices, EU institutions, and NGOs to integrate CAAC concerns into their operations.
• Monitoring the implementation of CAAC-related recommendations from intergovernmental bodies and ensuring updates are communicated to the OSRSG-CAAC.
• Analyzing and disseminating information on the situation of children in armed conflict to relevant stakeholders in Brussels, Geneva, Vienna, and Strasbourg.
• Preparing analytical reports and papers on CAAC issues for the General Assembly, Security Council, and other bodies, including drafting notes, background papers, and speeches for senior officials.
• Participating in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and other committees.
• Acting as a focal point for political issues regarding CAAC in Brussels and other relevant locations.
• Providing up-to-date information on political matters to the OSRSG-CAAC in New York and making recommendations for action.
• Maintaining contacts with various sectors of the UN and international organizations on coordination and policy matters.
• Participating in conferences and seminars related to CAAC issues. 1
• Carrying out administrative functions related to staff planning and budget for the Brussels office. 1
• Drafting operational growth plans for the Brussels liaison office and participating in their implementation. 1
• Developing strategic partnerships with donors and leading fundraising efforts. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in political science, international relations, or related fields, with a focus on human rights and child protection in conflict settings. The position requires knowledge of the working modalities of the European Union, the UN General Assembly, Security Council, and Human Rights Council. Candidates should demonstrate highly developed communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to engage constructively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Professionalism, teamwork, and planning and organizing skills are essential, as the role involves collaborative work and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the specified fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, diplomacy, law, disarmament, security, conflict resolution, or a related area is required. Candidates must have at least five years of experience working with the European Union, UN General Assembly, Security Council, and Human Rights Council on child protection in conflict settings. Additionally, four years of experience with the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict is required, along with three years of experience in managing an office and team, including human resources and budget responsibilities. Experience in developing training and capacity building on CAAC for diverse audiences is also necessary, while experience in drafting reports and speeches for high-level officials is desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, both of which are required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency at UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages. Knowledge of Arabic or Spanish is desirable, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level I in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for an initial period of six months, with the possibility of extension, and is financed by extra-budgetary funds. The selection process may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. The position is open to internal candidates, and the United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The position does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.