Political Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is located within the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council Secretariat Branch (SCSB) of the Security Council Affairs Division (SCAD) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The United Nations was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in 193 member states and employs over 44,000 staff members worldwide, working across various fields including humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping, and human rights advocacy. The organization is committed to maintaining international peace and security, fostering social progress, and improving living standards and human rights.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in maintaining up-to-date knowledge of political issues that affect international peace and security, particularly those relevant to the Security Council's agenda. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring political developments at both national and regional levels, drafting various documents such as notes, reports, and speeches for senior UN officials, and maintaining contact with other UN sectors, international organizations, and Member States. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying potential threats to peace and security and providing substantive support to the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies. The officer will also participate in missions and provide secretariat services to the Security Council, ensuring that the organization’s objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of political issues and developments related to the Security Council's agenda.
• Draft notes, activity reports, background papers, and speeches on sensitive matters for senior officials.
• Monitor political developments that could threaten international peace and security.
• Maintain contact with other UN sectors, international organizations, and Member States for coordination and policy matters.
• Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups and UN entities.
• Participate in Security Council missions and provide secretariat services to the Council and its subsidiary bodies.
• Perform other related duties as required, ensuring that all tasks align with the UN's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent knowledge of the policies and procedures of the Security Council. They should demonstrate the ability to organize and summarize information for documentation preparation and analyze political, ethnic, and social issues that may lead to civil unrest. The ideal candidate will show professionalism, teamwork, and strong planning and organizing skills, ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work. Candidates should be motivated by professional concerns and demonstrate persistence in overcoming challenges.

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, international relations, law, disarmament, conflict resolution, or a related area is required. Additionally, at least one year of experience in servicing intergovernmental bodies, preferably the Security Council or its subsidiary organs, is necessary. Experience in drafting analytical notes and reports is also required, while experience with UN budgetary processes and providing substantive support to senior leadership is desirable. A minimum of one year of experience working in a field operation of the United Nations Common System or a similar international organization is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The job opening will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date, and applicants are advised to follow all instructions carefully during the application process. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.