Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: ? Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations. ? Analyses political and related events and trends within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to senior officials; ? Conducts research and prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile matters; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials. Acts as notetaker in meetings of principals and participates in the preparation of field missions; ? Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment. ? Supports preparations and participates, as appropriate, in field missions and meetings related to the assigned area. ? Arranges and participates in fact-finding missions. ? Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take. ? Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. ? Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise. ? Provides input for assessment of staff to be deployed to important posts in the field (e.g. Resident Coordinators). ? Develops project proposals to be funded by contributions from donors, aimed at supporting UN Country Offices in areas under DPPA’s mandate, and monitors their implementation. ? Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation. ? Incorporates gender perspectives in all aspects of peace and security processes and ensures the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. ? Acts as Officer in Charge in the absence of the Team Leader; ? Performs other related duties as required. Results Expected: Within the mandates of DPPA and DPO, provides and counsels senior officials with well analysed, concise information and recommendations as to appropriate action to be taken; proposes solutions, action, consultation and positions to solve problems.

Requirements: 

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related. 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 research, analysis and reporting in international organizations or equivalent national government service is required. Two years of experience on political issues and gender-sensitive political analysis related to the Americas region is required. One year of field experience working with an international organization, inclusive peacekeeping and political missions, regional commissions, agencies, funds, and programmes, or with a governmental or civil society organization, academic institution or think tank is desirable. Experience in conflict prevention, mediation and or dialogue process is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in both oral and written English is required. Fluency in Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.