Associate Political Affairs Officer

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Position Title: Associate Political Affairs Officer
Location: Kabul
Country: Afghanistan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) was established in 2002 as a Political/Peacebuilding Mission, directed and supported by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). The mission aims to support the Afghan people in their efforts to achieve peace and stability, and it operates with a commitment to gender equity and the empowerment of women in the region. UNAMA has been actively working to address gender imbalances within its workforce, particularly focusing on increasing the representation of female staff, which has been a significant concern over the past decade. The organization is dedicated to creating opportunities for women, especially in the context of the Women, Peace & security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (WPS) agenda, and is exploring innovative approaches to attract and retain qualified female candidates.

Job Overview:
The Associate Political Affairs Officer position is designed to provide on-the-job training under the supervision of an international Political Affairs Officer. The role involves supporting political affairs by gathering, selecting, and analyzing information from various sources, with a focus on ensuring representation of all societal segments, including vulnerable groups such as minorities and women. The officer will monitor political developments at national, provincial, and district levels, keeping abreast of trends and issues relevant to the mission's priorities. The position also entails maintaining a comprehensive database of political profiles and assisting in the development of reports and summaries. The officer will engage with local officials, community leaders, and civil society representatives to foster collaboration and support the mission's objectives. Additionally, the role includes interpreting and translating documents between English and Pashto/Dari, providing logistical support for meetings and field missions, and maintaining administrative records.

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

• Gathering, selecting, and analyzing information from diverse sources, including publications and media, with a focus on vulnerable segments of society.
• Monitoring political developments at various levels and staying informed about relevant trends.
• Assisting in the maintenance of profiles and databases for the political section, including tribal and district profiles.
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with local officials, community leaders, and civil society representatives.
• Preparing summaries of articles and contributing to reports.
• Supporting the Office’s provision of good offices in line with the mission's mandate.
• Interpreting and translating documents as needed.
• Providing support to visiting teams and participating in field missions.
• Offering administrative and logistical support to the Political Affairs Division. 1
• Creating and maintaining official records and correspondence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate Political Affairs Officer position should possess strong analytical and communication skills, with a commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. They should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and exhibit professionalism in all interactions. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances in a dynamic political landscape.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position. Candidates should have a degree in political science, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees are preferred, as they provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in political affairs and peacebuilding efforts.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience in political analysis, research, or related fields. While specific years of experience may not be mandated, familiarity with the political landscape in Afghanistan and previous involvement in similar roles will be advantageous. The emphasis is on providing opportunities for national women university graduates to gain professional experience, thus encouraging recent graduates to apply.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Pashto and Dari. The ability to interpret and translate between these languages is crucial for effective communication within the role. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a specified duration with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability and performance. There is no expectation of renewal beyond the initial contract period. The position is based in a non-family duty station, and a Volunteer Living Allowance will be provided to cover living expenses. Life, health, and permanent disability insurance are included, along with a Well-Being Differential for hardship categories. Travel to the duty station and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided if the duty station is not within commuting distance.