Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Senior Political Affairs Officer, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press. • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic disarmament mandates for which the staff member is responsible. • Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of disarmament and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in the Secretariat. • Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice to senior officials and Regional Centres. • Provides technical and substantive support in the implementation of mandates and projects of the Office. • Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of project activities, monitors and analyses project implementation, drafts and reviews relevant documents and reports, identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions, liaises with relevant parties, identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters. • Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations. • Provides substantive support to meetings, workshops, events, and promotes policy through outreach activities. • Prepares reports and provides inputs to relevant publications and other documents and makes presentations on behalf of ODA. • Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility. • Participates in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of small arms and ammunition control initiatives, projects, and activities in the African context. Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related fields is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specific fields of studies in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, project or progamme management, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. A minimum of three years of experience in the field of disarmament, conventional arms control, or the women peace and security agenda is required. Experience in research, programing or implementation of projects to reduce illicit flows of small arms, light weapons and ammunition or related area is required. Experience coordinating with regional and sub-regional organizations in Africa for the implementation of projects and activities towards reducing illicit flows of small arms and light weapons and ammunition is desirable. Experience with the African Union Silencing the Guns Initiative or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.