Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Coordination Officer (Political Affairs Officer) will be responsible for independently providing a full range of coordinated and consolidated information; contributing substantive inputs for briefing notes/talking points/background materials and/or records and managing staff of the Correspondence Team. The Coordination Officer is expected to assist the Director in her/his managerial, policy and political functions in support of the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations by: • Preparing/editing letters, statements, speeches, talking points, presentations, political updates and other correspondence for the Director and the Under-Secretaries-General; • Acting as focal point for General Assembly mandated DPPA-DPO reports; • Delivering secretariat functions for DPPA-DPO town hall meetings; • Delivering secretariat functions for the DPPA-DPO Senior Management Team including preparing background papers and decision notes, as necessary; • Preparing various written outputs, including the Chief of Staff Conference Report and the necessary follow-up to the implementation of recommendations; • Monitoring the extrabudgetary funds for the office and assisting the Director in outreach and fundraising. • Keeping abreast of political developments and changes in mission leadership;

• Participating in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned policies, programmes and projects. Ensure the integrated functioning of DPPA-DPO through management of the Correspondence Team by: • Planning and supervising all aspects of the Correspondence Team programme of work; identifying challenges and issues to be addressed and proposing corrective actions; liaising with relevant offices and identifying and tracking follow up actions; • Overseeing the human resources management of the Correspondence Team, including recruitment, contractual administration and performance management, in coordination with the Director and the Executive Office; • Convening and chairing regular team meetings to discuss operational and administrative issues and to keep Team members abreast of the latest developments and directives of the Director; • Ensuring the professional development of Team members by providing ongoing training in drafting and editing skills; • Ensuring that correspondence and documents submitted for the signature of the Under- Secretaries-General, as well as other documentation, meet United Nations editorial standards and are appropriately handled. • Ensuring that the templates and the document action table are updated as required; • Training team members to ensure that sensitive information is always transmitted and stored in an appropriate manner. • Reviewing and editing as necessary to ensure accuracy, consistency and clarity as well as conformity with United Nations editorial standards, policy and practice; • Providing submitting authors with guidance/feedback on editorial policies and practice where feasible; • Performing other duties, as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM • Ability to identify and analyze political issues. • Knowledge of political affairs and peace operations. • Ability to produce a variety of high-quality written communications. • 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 • 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 audience. • Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. CLIENT ORIENTATION • Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. • Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. • Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. • Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. • Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, law, public administration, management or related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations or management, or related area is required. Relevant experience in the United Nations or comparable international organizations is desirable. Experience working for or on peacekeeping or political matters is desirable. Experience in drafting communications, such as statements, speeches, talking points, is desirable. Experience of using excel for budget management is desirable. Experience in a supervising role is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of a second official UN language is an advantage.