Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations (OUSG) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The incumbent reports directly to the Principal Political Affairs Officer (Chief of Office). DPO provides political and executive direction to UN Peacekeeping operations around the world and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates. DPO also provides guidance and support of military, police, mine action and other relevant issues to other UN political and peacebuilding missions. For more information on DPO please refer to https://peacekeeping.un.org/en

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Analyses and monitors activities in designated peacekeeping missions, countries or regions assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political, security and operational situation and the impact of intra-regional issues; recommends solutions/possible action by the United Nations. • Analyses political, security and related events within the assigned areas with a view to providing early warning advice to the USG and Chief of Office. • Prepares and reviews analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the Department of Peace Operations, the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies, and assists with the identification of departmental priorities and needs. • Reviews operational updates on peacekeeping operations and participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services for the Security Council and other committees and bodies. • Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on assigned peacekeeping issues. • Arranges and participates in missions to peacekeeping operations and troop- or police-contributing countries undertaken by the USG. • Meets regularly with integrated operational teams, including UN staff, as well as Military and Civilian Police officers to plan projects and review project activities. • Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive peacekeeping matters, including thematic and cross-cutting topics, as well as country or regional issues, and makes recommendations on actions to take. • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations, Permanent Missions and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. • Supports implementation of initiatives relating to the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel, including providing guidance to lead offices and review of materials for the SG and the USG; • Supports efforts to strengthen outreach to the development pillar, including by coordinating with regional divisions and other DPO offices in order to devise strategy, processes and tools to strengthen the relationship with DCO and the Resident Coordinators; • Serves as OUSG focal point for a number of operational, policy and thematic areas, including human rights screening. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic, and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. 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. COMMUNICATION Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, history, international relations, public/policy administration, law or other related. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience in a related filed may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, security, peacekeeping or related area is required. A minimum of three years of experience working in a front office environment providing substantive support to senior level UN officials or equivalent in a national service is required. Experience working in peace and security in a governmental or inter-governmental setting is required. Experience in analyzing complex political, security, and operational issues, identifying trends, and providing strategic advice or early warning is required Experience in drafting high-level analytical reports, papers, and briefings on sensitive and complex issues intended for senior officials and the Security Council is required. Experience coordinating and collaborating with multiple stakeholders, including UN staff, international organizations, Permanent Missions, and governments is desirable..

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2024, with the possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.