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. It operates under the United Nations framework, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The office is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and plays a crucial role in the UN's broader mission to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in the region.

Job Overview:
The Political Affairs Officer position is integral to the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan. The officer will be responsible for gathering, selecting, and analyzing information related to Sudan from various sources, including press communications and publications. The role requires maintaining up-to-date knowledge of political issues affecting Sudan and providing insights to senior officials and colleagues. The officer will monitor political developments at both national and regional levels, advising UN agencies and field missions as necessary. This position also involves technical support for the implementation of the office's mandates, maintaining contacts with other UN sectors and international organizations, and participating in conferences and seminars relevant to Sudan's political landscape. The officer will prepare meetings for senior leadership, draft essential documents, and utilize data visualization methods to present insights for decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Political Affairs Officer will perform a variety of duties, including: gathering and analyzing information on Sudan's political landscape; maintaining current knowledge of political issues; advising field missions and UN agencies; providing technical support for the office's mandates; monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups and NGOs; classifying and storing information in databases; arranging and participating in fact-finding missions; preparing meetings for senior leadership; drafting notes, background papers, and speeches; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and performing other related duties as required. The officer must demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills to achieve organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong knowledge of the UN's role in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and conflict resolution. They should have a solid understanding of the political and security dynamics in Sudan and the region. The ability to evaluate political situations, draft cogent analyses, and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work. Strong analytical skills and the ability to convey information effectively to management are crucial for this role.

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 a strong analytical background.

Experience:
A minimum of five 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 a UN peace operation or a similar international organization, with experience working in Africa and in conflict or post-conflict settings. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, and reporting is required, along with experience supporting good offices or mediation efforts as part of a political or peace process. Experience specifically related to peace and security issues in Sudan 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 desirable, which would enhance 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 creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from female candidates and individuals from unrepresented or underrepresented member states. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates must provide accurate information in their applications.