Political Affairs Assistant

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Position Title: Political Affairs Assistant
Location: Herat
Country: Afghanistan
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which is dedicated to supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan. UNAMA was established in 2002 and operates across various regions of Afghanistan, working closely with the Afghan government, civil society, and international partners to promote human rights, development, and governance. The mission aims to assist in the political process, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and support the rule of law and human rights. UNAMA employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple provinces, focusing on fostering sustainable peace and development in the country.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Assistant plays a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing political and socio-economic developments in the Western Region of Afghanistan. This position requires the individual to process information from various sources, including communications from de facto authorities, and assist in preparing reports and briefing materials. The assistant will engage in political outreach to various community groups, including minority communities, women, and youth, to build effective networks. The role also involves organizing political outreach events and participating in field missions, which are essential for gathering information and fostering relationships with Afghan interlocutors. The assistant will be responsible for interpreting and translating documents between English and Dari, as well as assisting in data collection and analysis for presentations. Overall, this position demands a proactive approach to political engagement and a strong understanding of the local context.

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

• Monitor and analyze political, socio-economic, and other relevant developments in the Western Region.
• Process information from various communications and publications.
• Assist in preparing draft reports, briefing notes, and background papers.
• Summarize articles and draft correspondence and reports, particularly daily situation reports.
• Update databases with relevant information.
• Conduct political outreach to minority communities, women, youth, and community leaders.
• Design and facilitate political outreach events with Afghan interlocutors.
• Organize and participate in field missions across the Western Region.
• Interpret and translate documents between English and Dari. 1
• Assist in data collection, analysis, and visualization for presentations. 1
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A university degree in political science, international relations, social sciences, law, public administration, international economics, economics, or journalism is desirable. Post-secondary training in political affairs or international relations is also preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of political dynamics and possess analytical skills to interpret complex information.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma as a minimum. However, a university degree in relevant fields such as political science, international relations, or social sciences is highly desirable. Additional post-secondary training in political affairs or international relations is also considered an asset, indicating a preference for candidates with a solid academic foundation in the field.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in political science, international relations, legal/paralegal work, disarmament, conflict resolution, or related fields is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with three years of relevant experience. Experience in building networks with Afghan interlocutors and in political analysis and reporting is essential. Familiarity with organizing political outreach events is desirable, and experience in Ghor Province is an added advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, fluency in oral and written Dari is required. Knowledge of Pashto, while not mandatory, is considered desirable and may enhance communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station. The position is temporarily available until December 31, 202

• Selected candidates will not be eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The recruitment process may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates must provide accurate information in their applications. The organization is committed to maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its workforce.