Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Division for Palestinian Rights (DPR) of the Department of Political and Peace-building Affairs (DPPA) of the United Nations. The DPR was established by the General Assembly and serves as the Secretariat of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP). The division supports meetings and activities, monitors political developments, organizes international conferences, manages publications, and implements training and capacity-building programs. The DPPA focuses on five action areas in international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, including sound analysis, conflict prevention, peacemaking, crisis management, and sustaining peace. The Department's mandate is to prevent and resolve conflict through inclusive political solutions, and it was renewed on 3 December 2024 by General Assembly resolution A/RES/79/82.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for gathering, selecting, and analyzing information related to the Question of Palestine from various sources, including press communications and publications. The incumbent will maintain an up-to-date knowledge of political issues affecting Palestine and the Middle East, providing inputs to senior officials and colleagues. The role involves providing technical and substantive support for the implementation of the office's mandate, maintaining contacts with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments on coordination and policy matters. The officer will plan and implement information management initiatives impacting large user groups, manage the online UN Information System on the Question of Palestine (UNISPAL), and participate in the provision of secretariat services to CEIRPP. The position requires drafting mandated publications and assisting in the preparation of standards and best practices for information management, as well as evaluating new information management services and technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Gather, select, and analyze information related to the Question of Palestine from various sources.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of political issues affecting Palestine and the Middle East.
• Provide technical and substantive support for the office's mandate.
• Maintain contacts with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments.
• Plan and implement information management initiatives impacting large user groups.
• Co-manage and update the online UN Information System on the Question of Palestine (UNISPAL).
• Collect and analyze information to assess its relevance and validity.
• Draft mandated publications and assist in preparing standards and best practices for information management.
• Research and evaluate new information management services and technologies. 1
• Participate in providing secretariat services to CEIRPP and its Bureau. 1
• Contribute to the preparation of meetings with senior officials and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, information systems, law, public administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of political, social, and economic developments related to Palestine, as well as proficiency in information management and technology applications.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, information systems, law, public administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, conflict resolution, or a related area is required. Candidates must have experience working with databases, websites, and digital content platforms. Experience specifically related to the Question of Palestine and the Middle East is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants from under-represented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the United Nations does not concern itself with applicants' bank accounts. Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and organizational needs, and reference checks will be conducted for those under serious consideration.