Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Central African Integrated Operational Team, part of the Central and Southern Africa Division of the Africa Office, which operates under the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The organization is dedicated to promoting peace and stability in regions affected by conflict, particularly in Africa. The DPPA-DPO plays a crucial role in managing peacekeeping operations and facilitating political solutions to conflicts. The United Nations, as a whole, aims to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, and uphold human rights across its member states.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for managing and overseeing peacekeeping operations, specifically the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). This role involves gathering, selecting, and analyzing information from various sources, including media, to maintain an up-to-date understanding of political issues affecting the assigned countries. The officer will provide technical and substantive support for the implementation of mandates and will be expected to monitor political developments at both national and regional levels. The position requires collaboration with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments to ensure effective coordination and policy implementation. The officer will also participate in fact-finding missions and provide secretariat services for various UN meetings and conferences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Participating in the daily management of peacekeeping operations, particularly MINUSCA.
• Analyzing and synthesizing information from communications and publications.
• Keeping abreast of political developments and trends in the assigned area.
• Advising field missions and UN agencies on political matters.
• Providing technical support for the implementation of office mandates.
• Maintaining contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations.
• Monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups and NGOs.
• Classifying and storing information related to potential disputes.
• Participating in fact-finding missions. 1
• Preparing meetings for senior UN officials. 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 the ability to analyze complex political issues and provide informed advice. The role requires excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Candidates should also show a commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in their work.

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. 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, political analysis, international relations, crisis management, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or diplomacy is required. Additionally, at least one year of experience in peacekeeping operations or relevant civilian capacity is desirable. Experience in research and analysis related to the Central African Republic is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for the position.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until June 30, 2025, with the possibility of extension. It is important to note that if the selected candidate is already a staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The recruitment process may be limited to internal candidates or those who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.