Senior Political Affairs Officer

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

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) at the United Nations Headquarters. The DPPA was established to support the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council in its efforts to maintain international peace and security. The organization operates globally, with a mission to prevent conflicts, support peace processes, and promote sustainable peace. The DPPA employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing complex political challenges and fostering cooperation among member states.

Job Overview:
The Senior Political Affairs Officer plays a crucial role in formulating political strategies and providing substantive support to the Security Council. This position requires a deep understanding of international relations and the ability to analyze complex political issues. The incumbent will be responsible for developing policies and action plans to address political problems, particularly those related to the Security Council's mandates. The role involves planning and implementing operational activities, coordinating interdepartmental projects, and managing a team to achieve the division's objectives. The officer will also prepare briefing materials for high-level officials and represent the division at various international forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Political Affairs Officer include:

• Formulating political affairs strategies and proposing policy directives for immediate and long-term solutions to political issues.
• Planning and implementing operational activities related to the division's work, ensuring an integrated approach that incorporates rights-based dimensions and gender perspectives.
• Managing interdepartmental and interagency programs and projects.
• Preparing the unit's program of work, budget, and medium-term plans, and overseeing the work of colleagues.
• Drafting reports for the Security Council and providing secretariat services for special conferences and summits.
• Advising intergovernmental bodies on organizational matters and negotiations.
• Leading a work team, allocating assignments, and mentoring staff.
• Conducting research on political issues relevant to the Security Council's agenda.
• Developing relationships with senior government officials and advising them on mutual concerns. 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 the Security Council's policies and procedures, as well as experience in research and documentation preparation. The ideal candidate will show professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing skills, and the ability to manage performance effectively. They should also exhibit sound judgment and decision-making capabilities, particularly in complex situations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Candidates should have experience working on UN sanctions issues and in field-based missions or special political missions. Experience managing teams in a regional or global context is essential, as is familiarity with UN budgetary policies and intergovernmental operations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable, which may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the position.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to availability of the post or funds. Staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.