Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Political Analysis and Research Unit of the Assessment and Technical Assistance Office. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Branch.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Works under the Chief of Branch in managing the Political Analysis and Research Unit and in organizing the work of CTED in accordance with the mandate conferred upon by the Security Council; • Coordinates and takes the lead in research, analysis and information-gathering undertaken by the cross-cutting research group on new threats and challenges, as well as trends in counter-terrorism area, relevant to the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), 2178 (2014), 2396(2017), 2462(2019) and 2482(2019); • Takes the lead in identifying and maintaining a network of partner research institutes, non-profit organizations, and other players from civil society, which can share timely information and analyses on relevant terrorism and counter-terrorism issues; • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and relating in particular to counter-terrorism issues and measures undertaken by countries visited by CTC/CTED with a view to assessing the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005) 2178 (2014), 2396(2017), 2462(2019) and 2482(2019); • Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of counter-terrorism and international counter-terrorism cooperation and provides inputs to CTED senior management and relevant Departments of the UN Secretariat; • Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on emerging issues, trends and developments related to the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005) 2178 (2014), 2396(2017), 2462(2019) and 2482(2019); • Reviews and monitors events in the regions most affected by terrorism, based on relevant information and analysis, including those received from partner institutes; • Takes the lead in preparing analytical reports, papers and proposals to the CTC and the Security Council on emerging issues and developments in terrorism, draft talking points, briefing notes and presentations to be delivered by CTED Executive Director to the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Security Council and the Executive Office of Secretary General; • Develops the unit’s written products and publications; • Participates in CTC country visits aimed at assessing the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005) 2178 (2014), 2396(2017), 2462(2019) and 2482(2019); • Supervises and provides guidance to the Political Affairs Officers and Associated Political Affairs Officers in the Unit; • Maintains contacts with the CTC Chair and other CTC members, as well as other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; and briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations; • Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to counter-terrorism; • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, social, religious, economic and other problems in a country or geographic area; To collect, compile and analyze information related to new threats and challenges, as well as trends in counter-terrorism 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. -Ability to build consensus on difficult issues;-Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork:-Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals -Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others -Places team agenda before personal agenda -Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position -Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 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. Managerial competencies Leadership; Serves as a role model that other people want to follow – Empowers others to translate vision into results – Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives – Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support – Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions – Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo – Shows the courage to take unpopular stands Empowering others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work – Encourages others to set challenging goals – Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility – Genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise – Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort Involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, journalism, law, or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience 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, journalism, law, disarmament, security, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience related to counterterrorism is desirable. Experience in research is desirable. Experience in leading a team is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

The appointment or assignment and renewal is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. New York is a classified H duty station (family). For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 August 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. 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. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. 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.