Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Team Leader, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Prepares documentation, including but not limited to, briefing notes and talking points related to peace, security and other developments in the Sahel region. Prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties relating to UNOWAS engagement in the region. • Supports his/her supervisor in compiling or researching issues related to the team’s workplan. Attends meetings to identify the scope of projects, considers methodologies, and actively participates in meetings related to Sahel issues. Represents the team at round tables, seminars and conferences.
• Participates in assigned operational activities related to the work of the Sahel team. Perform monitoring, analysis and reporting tasks as required, maintaining an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective. • Assists in identifying, analyzing and monitoring political developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the Mission’s mandate. • Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
• Professionalism – Demonstrates professional competence for the conduct analysis of peace, security and other developments in the Sahel region. Ability to identify and analyze political, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence for the conduct analysis of peace, security and other developments in the Sahel region; 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, international relations, law 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 desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, conflict resolution, conflict prevention or related area is required Previous experience in peacekeeping or special political mission is required. Work experience in West African and Sahel Region is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required.