Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Political Affairs Section (PAS) of the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to Yemen (OSESG-Yemen). This office is part of the United Nations, which 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 countries. The UN operates in multiple countries worldwide, with a focus on addressing global challenges such as conflict resolution, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. The organization employs thousands of individuals across various roles and functions, working towards its goals of maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, and fostering social and economic development.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for leading and organizing operational activities related to the work of the Aden office. This role requires an integrated approach that incorporates a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning, and operational activities of the Aden team. The officer will prepare and review briefing notes and talking points for the Mission leadership, provide guidance and advice on assigned issues, and manage operations including visits from the Special Envoy and other delegations. The position also involves developing and maintaining relations with government officials and political parties, leading a team that deals with various political issues in Yemen, and representing OSESGY at meetings of the UN Country Team. The officer will provide substantive support to the Principal Political Affairs Officer in formulating the programme of work, budget, and medium-term plan of the unit, and will manage the Aden-based political team while performing other related duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Political Affairs Officer include leading and organizing operational activities for the Aden office, pursuing an integrated approach to policy and planning, preparing and reviewing briefing notes for leadership, providing guidance on assigned issues, managing operations for visits from delegations, developing relations with government officials and political parties, leading a team on political issues, attending meetings to identify project scopes, planning and coordinating programmes requiring interagency involvement, representing OSESGY at various meetings, providing political briefings, supporting the Principal Political Affairs Officer in formulating work programmes and budgets, managing the Aden-based political team, and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Management, Development, or a related field. Alternatively, 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 professionalism, effective communication skills, teamwork capabilities, and performance management skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Political Science, Management, Development, or a related field. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of political affairs and international relations, particularly in the context of Yemen.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or a related area. Additionally, at least two years of professional experience in Yemen within an international context is required, along with two years of managing staff, preferably within the United Nations system. Experience in project management is also desirable, highlighting the need for candidates to have a robust background in both political and operational aspects of international relations.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Arabic, both of which are required at UN Level III proficiency. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position. Candidates must demonstrate strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in both English and Arabic, as effective communication is crucial for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the United Nations Secretariat's commitment to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be aware that they cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are advised to provide complete and accurate information in their applications. The evaluation of candidates will be based on the information submitted, and those under serious consideration will undergo reference checks. The position may involve an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment.