Within delegated authority, the Associate 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 and interlocutors. ? Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the country and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible. ? Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in the field mission and elsewhere in the Secretariat when required. ? Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice to field mission/UN agencies active on the ground. ? Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations, and authorities on coordination and policy matters in the area of assignment. ? Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government, and non-governmental organizations in the area of responsibility. ? Selects, classifies, and stores in computerized databases information relating to the thematic areas the staff member is responsible. ? Participates in outreach activities, and other field missions within the assigned area of responsibility. ? Strengthens the Field Office’s engagement with stakeholders in the area of responsibility particularly in conducting outreach activities, providing good offices, expanding networks, promoting diversity and inclusion, and maintaining situation awareness. ? Contributes to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driver planning, decision making, presentation and reporting. ? Documents requirements and background information used for data analysis. ? Prepares meetings of the Political Team Leader/Head of Field Office with officials from the area of responsibility. ? Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements: 

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social sciences, law, public administration; international economics, economics, journalism is required. A first-level (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with one additional year of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is an asset.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

As per approved special measure, with relevant masters degree or higher a minimum of one (1) year of progressively responsible experience and with relevant first-level/bachelors degree a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience with political, political-economy and /or security analysis and reporting is required. Experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and coordination is desirable. Experience with interpretation from Pashto/Dari to English or English to Pashto/Dari is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English, Pashto and Dari is required.