Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Middle East Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) of the United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates globally, with a presence in numerous countries and a workforce comprising thousands of employees dedicated to various missions and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing political developments in the Middle East and North Africa. This position requires a deep understanding of the political landscape and the ability to assess trends that could impact regional peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. The officer will provide early warning advice to senior managers, prepare analytical reports for key UN bodies, and act as a focal point for information collection and analysis. The role involves extensive research, consultations with various stakeholders, and maintaining contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations to support coordination and policy matters. The officer will also participate in conferences and seminars to share expertise and insights related to the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for reviewing and monitoring activities in the Middle East and North Africa, assessing political trends, and analyzing events to provide strategic advice. Key responsibilities include preparing analytical reports for the General Assembly and Security Council, conducting in-depth research, and engaging with operational teams to review project planning. The officer will maintain contacts with UN sectors and international organizations, provide updates to senior officials, and participate in relevant conferences and seminars. Additional duties may be assigned as required, emphasizing the need for adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving political landscape.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in political science, international relations, or a related field, with proven analytical skills and the ability to identify and address complex political issues. The role requires a high level of professionalism, integrity, and reliability, as well as effective communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders. The officer should demonstrate planning and organizational abilities, ensuring that priorities are set and resources are allocated efficiently to meet objectives.

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 work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, highlighting the importance of both education and practical experience in this role.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or a related area is required. Experience specifically related to political issues in the Middle East and North Africa is desirable, as is experience working within the United Nations or similar international organizations, which would provide valuable context and understanding of the UN's operations and objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position, as it is one of the official working languages of the United Nations. Additionally, fluency in Arabic is required, reflecting the regional focus of the role. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 2025, with the possibility of extension subject to funding. The role is funded through Extra-budgetary funds, and candidates should be aware that this temporary assignment does not guarantee future employment. The recruitment process may be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station, and the United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and diversity in its workforce. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities, and the organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its hiring practices.