Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general and in particular, as they affect the countries 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 governments on coordination and policy matters. • Provides technical and substantive backstopping to the implementation of the IGAD-UN Joint Framework for Cooperation including monitoring actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations. • Supports implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in the Horn of Africa Region in collaboration with the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union and UN Women. • Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned areas of responsibility. • Prepares meetings of the Special Envoy with officials from the host county.

• Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Prepares a range of internal reports and briefing papers, including but not limited to situation reports, political profiles, notes to file, background papers, briefing notes, code cables and talking points for the Special Envoy and other senior staff. • Provides administrative support to the Principal Political Affairs Officer, including drafting budget proposals, monitoring implementation of the Office’s XB and RB resources using SMA and IPMR, and preparing annual budget reports. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Knowledge of the work of intergovernmental bodies, the work of the United Nations and its related bodies concerned with political, economic, social and related matters; Ability to evaluate international political situations in the area of assignment; Ability to manage and coordinate many different levels and participants in operations in both the field and UN common system; Broad substantive knowledge of post-conflict challenges and peacekeeping operations; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, conflict resolution, social sciences, international relations, law or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is desirable for this position. Do you have such training? If so, please explain and/or provide a copy of the certificate.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, peace and security issues or related fields is required. Note: No experience is required for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the G to P Examination (G to P). Experience in political analysis, reporting and drafting analytical code cables, preferably in the context of the Horn of Africa Sub-region is required. Experience in conducting gender analysis and supporting the implementation of the WPS agenda is desirable. Experience in working with sub-reginal organizations, particularly IGAD is required. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the advertised post, fluency in English, both oral and written is required; Knowledge of any of the local languages spoken in the Horn of Africa is desirable. NOTE: “Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ” confident” in two of the four areas.