BACKGROUND

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The Office of the United Nations’ Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) represents the Secretary-General and leads the UN system in all political and diplomatic efforts related to the peace process, including in the Middle East Quartet. UNSCO also coordinates the humanitarian and development work of UN agencies and programmes in the occupied Palestinian territory, in support of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is deeply committed to peace in the Middle East. The UN works for the creation of an independent State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace with the State of Israel, and a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution to the Arab Israeli conflict, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and international law.

UNSCO’s Regional Affairs Unit advises the Special Coordinator and the Deputy Special Coordinator on political and diplomatic issues related to the Arab Israeli conflict and the Middle East peace process, including in his capacity of the UN envoy to the Middle East Quartet. The RAU develops UNSCO’s relationship with the parties, as well as regional and international partners, facilitating dialogue and negotiations and the implementation of agreements, and briefing relevant actors on developments. RAU is responsible for producing timely and comprehensive analyses of political developments and trends, providing them as guidance to the UN system as it relates to the Middle East peace process. The Unit also provides regular inputs for Security Council briefings, public statements and briefings by the Secretary-General and the Special Coordinator – including in their roles in the Middle East Quartet — as well as information and analysis for senior decision-makers in the UN system. Additionally, the unit provides technical assistance for the organization of free, fair and transparent Palestinian elections.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Regional Affairs Unit in Jerusalem, the Political Affairs Specialist would enable the development of partnerships with key/emerging local political actors, gathering information and providing analysis and reporting on the evolving political and security dynamics and broader developments in post-conflict Gaza.

Key duties and accountabilities include:

Develop with strategic partnerships with political actors, leads monitoring of political developments and represent UNSCO in Gaza:

• Develops and maintains partnerships with key/emerging local political actors.
• Manages, coordinates, organizes and supervises research on a variety of political issues.
• Acts as a key representative of UNSCO at various high-level forums, including round tables, seminars, conferences, and other significant gatherings. This role includes speaking on behalf of the organization, presenting positions, and advocating for UNSCO’s initiatives, while also fostering partnerships and building networks with other international and local stakeholders.
• Incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities.

Reports and provides guidance to the Chief of the Regional Affairs Unit (RAU):

• Collects, synthesizes, and analyzes relevant information to produce detailed reports and insights.
• Develops comprehensive briefing notes and talking points for UNSCO’s Chief of the Regional Affairs Unit and other senior staff, ensuring clarity and relevance.
• Provides expert guidance and strategic advice to UNSCO leadership and colleagues as requested.
• Responds proactively to requests for support, ensuring informed decision-making and effective leadership.
• Ensures continuous support for various initiatives through ongoing communication and analysis.

Ensure provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management:

• Identify policy-driven issues; and identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals.
• Establish/strengthen national and international advocacy networks, implement relevant, high – impact advocacy with key partners.
• Coordinate and ensure integrated support in the development of policies and institutions to address the country’s problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.

Other duties:

• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent degree) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, Law, Public Administration, or related field is required. OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the areas mentioned above, with an additional 2-year relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master’s degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills: 

• A minimum of five (5) years (with a master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with a bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, political facilitation, political analysis, politics related advice and reporting is required.
• At least two years’ experience working in a common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.
• Experience working on political issues in the Middle East or about the Middle East is desirable.
• Experience establishing political affairs with multiple stakeholders is desirable.
• Proven expertise in creating detailed briefing notes and talking points is desired.

Languages: 

• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results:  LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively:  LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously:  LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility:  LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination:  LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion:  LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies: 

Business Direction and Strategy: Strategic Thinking

• Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Direction and Strategy: System Thinking

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Direction and Strategy: Effective Decision Making

• Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Business Development: Knowledge Generation

• Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Business Development: UNSCO Representation

• Effectively represent and advocate for UNSCO, its values, mission, work, and positions with various constituencies/audiences, shares UNDP knowledge and activities.

Business Management: Partnerships Management

• Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness: Crisis management / Country Management Support

• Crisis coordination

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

UNDP Disclaimer for FTA/TA International Posts

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements