Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, which operates under the mandate derived from General Assembly Resolution 51/77 and subsequent resolutions. This office focuses on addressing the grave violations against children in armed conflict and works closely with various UN bodies and regional organizations to monitor and report on these issues. The office aims to advocate for the protection of children affected by armed conflict and to ensure their rights are upheld in accordance with law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in researching, analyzing, and monitoring information related to the six grave violations against children as identified by the UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council. The incumbent will maintain a comprehensive understanding of regional issues, particularly those affecting Africa, and will assist in policy development by reviewing and analyzing trends related to the work of regional organizations. The officer will also provide technical and substantive support for the implementation of the office's mandates, prepare various written outputs, and assist in organizing field missions for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG). This position requires collaboration with UN country task forces and regional organizations to ensure effective monitoring and reporting on child protection matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: researching and analyzing information on grave violations against children; maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regional issues; assisting in policy development; providing technical support for the implementation of mandates; preparing written outputs such as reports and briefing notes; assisting in the preparation of field missions; liaising with UN counterparts; preparing meetings for the SRSG; and performing other related duties as required. The officer must demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and strong planning and organizing skills to manage these responsibilities effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as political science, international relations, or conflict resolution, with specific experience in child protection matters and field operations in conflict or post-conflict contexts.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, emphasizing the importance of relevant educational qualifications in the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, or conflict resolution. Additionally, at least two years of experience working with regional organizations in Africa or the Middle East is required, along with two years of experience specifically focused on child protection matters. Experience in field operations, including peacekeeping missions or similar international organizations, is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in French is desirable, and knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the UN framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for an initial period of six months, with the possibility of extension. It is important to note that 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 internal candidates and is subject to funding availability. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process and does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Candidates must adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and any violations of international human rights law or other serious offenses will disqualify candidates from consideration.