Political Affairs Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Political Analysis and Research Unit of the Assessment and Technical Assistance Office. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Branch.

Responsibilities

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

• Works under the Chief of Branch in managing the Political Analysis and Research Unit and in organizing the work of CTED in accordance with the mandate conferred upon by the Security Council;
• Coordinates and takes the lead in research, analysis and information-gathering undertaken by the cross-cutting research group on new threats and challenges, as well as trends in counter-terrorism area, relevant to the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), 2178 (2014), 2396(2017), 2462(2019) and 2482(2019);
• Takes the lead in identifying and maintaining a network of partner research institutes, non-profit organizations, and other players from civil society, which can share timely information and analyses on relevant terrorism and counter-terrorism issues;
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and relating in particular to counter-terrorism issues and measures undertaken by countries visited by CTC/CTED with a view to assessing the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005) 2178 (2014), 2396(2017), 2462(2019) and 2482(2019);
• Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of counter-terrorism and international counter-terrorism cooperation and provides inputs to CTED senior management and relevant Departments of the UN Secretariat;
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on emerging issues, trends and developments related to the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005) 2178 (2014), 2396(2017), 2462(2019) and 2482(2019);
• Reviews and monitors events in the regions most affected by terrorism, based on relevant information and analysis, including those received from partner institutes;
• Takes the lead in preparing analytical reports, papers and proposals to the CTC and the Security Council on emerging issues and developments in terrorism, draft talking points, briefing notes and presentations to be delivered by CTED Executive Director to the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Security Council and the Executive Office of Secretary General;
• Develops the unit’s written products and publications;
• Participates in CTC country visits aimed at assessing the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005) 2178 (2014), 2396(2017), 2462(2019) and 2482(2019);
• Supervises and provides guidance to the Political Affairs Officers and Associated Political Affairs Officers in the Unit;
• Maintains contacts with the CTC Chair and other CTC members, as well as other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; and briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations;
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to counter-terrorism;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, social, religious, economic and other problems in a country or geographic area; To collect, compile and analyze information related to new threats and challenges, as well as trends in counter-terrorism area; 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.
• Ability to build consensus on difficult issues;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

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.

Managerial competencies:

• Leadership; Serves as a role model that other people want to follow;
• Empowers others to translate vision into results;
• Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives;
• Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support;
• Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions;
• Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo;
• Shows the courage to take unpopular stands Empowering others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work;
• Encourages others to set challenging goals;
• Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility;
• Genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise;
• Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort Involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, journalism, law, or related area. 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, journalism, law, disarmament, security, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience related to counterterrorism is desirable. Experience in research is desirable. Experience in leading a team is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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