All reference to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Mitrovica Regional Office (MRO), the Political Affairs Officer has the following responsibilities:
Compile and/or draft reports or report inputs, including daily reports, code cables and briefing notes.
Produce notes to the file, talking points and background notes as required.
Monitor specific aspects of mandate implementation with periodic travel throughout the AoR.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of events in the region, particularly as they relate to political events and trends affecting implementation of the mission’s mandate including through coordination and communication with other MRO sections and, as necessary, UNMIK headquarters and local counterparts.
Gather, select and analyse information contained in communications and publications.
Keep abreast of latest trends and developments and provide inputs on issues as tasked.
Preform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working
relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

international Affairs, Political Affairs or Foreign Relations. Knowledge of the political situation in Kosovo is highly desirable.

Excellent drafting skills to prepare substantive professional documents. Good strategic and analytic capabilities are also required.

Computer skills: Windows, Microsoft Office applications.