Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Special Assistant, Political Affairs will be based in Kabul and will report to the DSRSG Political. Kabul is classified as an “E” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the DSRSG Political, the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties: – Provide substantive and practical support to the DSRSG; Keep the DSRSG informed on all matters requiring his/her attention and that of the Mission leadership; Assist in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled, and ensure appropriate follow-up, as directed. – Identify, analyze and monitor developments and emerging issues and trends that might affect the Mission’s mandate, operations and management; assess implications and, in consultation with Mission components and field offices and the UN Country Team, make recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives; monitor, evaluate and report on implementation. – Assist the DSRSG with the coordination and preparation of a range of written materials, including but not limited to briefing notes, notes to file, code cables and memoranda. Coordinate the preparation of/prepare draft documents and support the DSRSG in overseeing or supporting their implementation/compliance. – Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Mission components, including field offices, the broader UN family, donors and other national and international partners on policy, management, operational and coordination matters; – Organize and manage the substantive aspects of the DSRSG’s meetings, field visits and UNAMA events, as required, and prepare written summaries and conduct follow-up activities, as appropriate; – Assist in formulating and managing the implementation of the Mission’s programme of work, including through support to planning and budgetary processes. – Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. – Perform other relevant duties as requested by the DSRSG.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Demonstrates ability to plan and implement programmes of work. 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. PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 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, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or related fields. A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution or related field is required. Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, reporting and coordination with field offices and headquarters, is required. Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. A minimum of one years’ experience working in the office of a senior public official and/or as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior official is required. Experience in Afghanistan is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. Knowledge of a language spoken in Afghanistan and/or the region is an asset.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2024 and may be extendable subject to budgetary availability. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.