Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan (OPESG-SUDAN) is dedicated to leading good offices and political engagement with various stakeholders to enhance efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Sudan. The organization focuses on fostering coherence, coordination, and integration of mediation initiatives to relaunch a credible political process. OPESG-SUDAN operates primarily in Sudan and the surrounding region, working closely with international and regional partners to facilitate dialogue and peace-building efforts.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer position is crucial for supporting the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan. The officer will be responsible for monitoring political developments in Sudan and the surrounding region, analyzing trends that may impact the political landscape, and providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership. The role involves preparing analytical reports, organizing consultations and workshops, and maintaining communication with various stakeholders, including UN officials and donor representatives. The officer will also be involved in fact-finding missions and will ensure regular reporting on the office's activities and developments in the region. This position requires a proactive approach to political analysis and engagement, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and effective communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: reviewing and monitoring key political developments in Sudan; assessing trends that may affect the political situation; preparing analytical reports and background papers; organizing consultations and workshops; providing up-to-date information to senior officials; briefing donors and stakeholders; acting as a focal point for political information; participating in fact-finding missions; ensuring regular reporting to Headquarters; maintaining contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations; participating in conferences and seminars; carrying out administrative functions related to staff planning and budget; drafting operational plans; and collecting and analyzing data to support decision-making processes. The officer will also perform other related duties as required, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough knowledge of the UN's role in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conflict resolution. They should have a strong understanding of the political and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security dynamics in Sudan and the surrounding region. The ability to evaluate political situations, build effective relationships with stakeholders, and draft high-quality analytical reports is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Teamwork and collaboration are critical, as is the ability to plan and organize effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social science, 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. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates with strong analytical skills.

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. Candidates must have at least two years of field experience in political affairs within a UN peace operation or a similar international organization, with experience in conflict or post-conflict environments. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, and reporting is necessary, along with two years of experience supporting good offices or mediation efforts as part of a political or peace process. Experience working on peace and security issues in the Horn of Africa is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related fields.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 202

• If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination may be prioritized. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.