Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will function as a Desk Officer and will be responsible for the following duties: ? Support the UN peacekeeping operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in the implementation of its mandate. ? Support the senior leadership of Department for Peace Operations (DPO) and the United Nations in the management of the mission and the peace process in the DRC. ? Gathers select and analyze information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press. ? Maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the thematic portfolios for which the staff member is responsible. ? Keep abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in MONUSCO and elsewhere in the Secretariat. ? Monitor national and regional level political developments and provides advice to MONUSCO. ? Provide technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the integrated operational team. ? Maintain contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters. ? Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations. ? Select, classify and store in computerized databases, information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo and countries of the Great Lakes region. ? Participate in fact-finding and other missions to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries as relevant. ? Participate in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions. ? Prepare talking points, briefing notes and minutes of meetings of the SG/ DSG/ USG in liaison with officials from MONUSCO. ? Performs other function related duties as required.

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 additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations or conflict resolution work at national or international levels is required. Experience in a UN peacekeeping operation or other relevant field operation in a civilian (non-uniformed) capacity is required. Experience in issues related to the Democratic Republic of Congo and/or Great Lakes region in Africa is required. Experience working at UN Headquarters or similar international organization headquarters is required.

Languages

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