Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in the Political Affairs Service. The Associate Political Affairs Officer reports to a more senior Political Affairs Officer in the team.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Associate Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press and specialized publications;
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political and economic issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandatesareas for which the staff member is responsible;
- Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in the field mission and elsewhere in the Secretariat when required;
- Monitors national and regional level political and economic developments and provides advice to field mission/UN agencies active on the ground;
- Drafts periodic reports and analytical reports including, but not limited to, notes of meetings, briefing notes, code cables and inputs for reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council, as required;
- Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters;
- Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations;
- Selects, classifies and stores in computerized databases information relating to pertinent political and economic developments in area of responsibility;
- Participates in fact-finding and other missions inside and outside of the Mission area as required;
- Prepares meetings of the SRSG/DSRSG with officials and interlocutors from the host country;
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: 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.
- 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 and 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.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, public administration, economics, social sciences , development, or a related field is required. A first level university degree with a combination of two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is an asset.
- A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE), or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).
Work Experience
- A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, political economy or related area is required.
- Experience in political outreach and facilitation is desirable.
- Experience in monitoring, analyzing and reporting on political processes and economic developments and dynamics is desirable.
- Experience in political economy analysis is desirable.
- Experience working in or in support of a field operation of the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in both oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of language spoken in Afghanistan or the region is desirable.
Application instructions
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