Political Affairs Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Office for of Disarmament Affairs (ODA). ODA provides substantive and organizational support for norm-setting in the area of disarmament through the work of the General Assembly and its First Committee, the Disarmament Commission, the Conference on Disarmament and other bodies. It also provides objective, impartial and up-to date information on multilateral disarmament issues and activities to Member States, States parties to multilateral agreements, intergovernmental organizations and institutions, departments and agencies of the United Nations system, research and educational institutions, civil society, especially non-governmental organizations, the media, youth and the general public. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Regional Disarmament, Information and Outreach Branch. 

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Reviews and monitors activities in in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation; assesses current status of processes, treaties and other instruments (political and legal) as well as trends which might affect geo-political conditions.
• Makes recommendations on positions to be taken by senior United Nations officials. Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to advice to the High Representative.
• Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Leads strategic communications and public relations and acts as Media Focal Point for the Office. This entails reactive and proactive engagement with the press, liaison with the Office of the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General and outreach to the general public.
• Serves as focal point for strategic communications using social media.
• Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services mandated by the General Assembly and to other committees and bodies related to its work.
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
• Establishes and maintains wide-raging networks and partnerships for disarmament.
• Meets regularly with diplomats, academics, members of the media, student groups, and members of civil society, among others to discuss current disarmament issues and to plan projects and other activities.
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding communications and media related matters and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
• Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Branch and senior Branch officers, functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of the normative framework and application thereof related to the mandates of UNODA. Ability to develop, advise on and implement communication strategies related to the work of UNODA. 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 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.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box.” Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

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

Work Experience

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in peace and security, political affairs, political science, international relations, law, disarmament, international development, communications, conflict resolution or a related area are required. Experience in working on issues related to disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation is required. Experience working with the media and producing public relations and outreach products is required. Experience writing UN reports and publications, such as reports of the Secretary-General and other related publications, is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; and knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Application instructions

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