Political Affairs Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Regional Affairs Unit (RAU) of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) based in Gaza. The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various humanitarian and political efforts. The UNSCO specifically focuses on facilitating peace processes in the Middle East, working closely with local governments, civil society, and international partners.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the Senior/Political Affairs Officers within the RAU. This position involves maintaining regular communication with various stakeholders, including government offices, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and diplomatic missions. The assistant is expected to stay informed about political developments in the region, assist in drafting reports and briefing materials, and provide translation and interpretation services. The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring political, socio-economic, and humanitarian issues, contributing to the UN's efforts in the Middle East.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Assistant is responsible for a variety of tasks, including: receiving and processing information from multiple sources, maintaining knowledge of political events, assisting in the preparation of drafts and reports, monitoring developments in the assigned area, providing input for political and humanitarian programs, updating project databases, participating in training related to Political Affairs, liaising with officials, and performing translation and interpretation duties. The assistant must also be prepared to undertake additional related tasks as required by senior officers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Training in Political Affairs or related fields is desirable, as is training in communication, project monitoring, and administrative issues. The position requires a strong understanding of political dynamics and the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for this position. Additional training in Political Affairs or related fields is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least five years of relevant work experience in political science, international relations, legal/paralegal work, or related fields. A minimum of two years of experience specifically focused on political issues in the Middle East is required. Experience in preparing analytical reports on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the candidate's familiarity with the complexities of the region.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, with both languages required at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, although not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for the role, given the diverse range of stakeholders involved.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work in Gaza. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Local recruits are not eligible for international allowances or benefits. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment and providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.