Senior Political Affairs Officer

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Position Title: Senior Political Affairs Officer
Location: New York
Country: United States of America
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC) was established to address the impact of armed conflict on children. The office operates under the mandate derived from General Assembly Resolution 51/77 and subsequent resolutions, focusing on the protection of children in conflict situations. It engages with various stakeholders, including intergovernmental bodies and civil society, to promote the rights and welfare of children affected by armed conflict. The office aims to ensure that the needs and rights of children are prioritized in peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

Job Overview:
The Senior Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in formulating and implementing political strategies related to children and armed conflict. This position requires a deep understanding of the political landscape surrounding these issues, as well as the ability to develop actionable plans that address both immediate and long-term challenges. The officer will work closely with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, coordinating operational activities and ensuring that the office's work aligns with its mandate. The role involves significant engagement with various stakeholders, including government officials and interagency partners, to advocate for the rights of children in conflict zones. The officer will also be responsible for managing a team, overseeing budgetary matters, and developing communication strategies to raise awareness about the office's work.

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

• Formulating political affairs strategies and proposing policy directives related to children and armed conflict.
• Planning and implementing operational activities in collaboration with the Analysis and Outreach team.
• Coordinating interdepartmental and interagency engagement on political issues.
• Preparing briefing notes and talking points for the Special Representative.
• Leading a work team, allocating assignments, and mentoring staff.
• Representing the office at various events and conferences.
• Developing the office's programme of work, budget, and medium-term plans.
• Managing communications strategies and overseeing the communications team.
• Maintaining relationships with senior government officials and advising them on relevant issues. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in political science, international relations, or a related field. They should demonstrate knowledge of intergovernmental processes and the workings of the United Nations. The ideal candidate will have experience in leading teams, developing communication strategies, and managing complex projects. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

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. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, successful completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, or related areas is required. Candidates must have at least three years of experience providing substantive support to the General Assembly and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council, as well as five years of experience with budgetary policies and intergovernmental operations. Experience in project management and change management is also necessary, along with a background in coordinating regional operations related to peace and security.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable, which may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, subject to the availability of the post and budgetary approval. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and promotes an inclusive environment. Candidates must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and those with a history of violations of international law or misconduct will not be considered for employment. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the UN does not request any fees from applicants.