Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located within the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC), which is a multi-party entity reporting to the USG for Policy in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG), through the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Unit (EOSG/SPMU) and, on peacekeeping matters, with oversight from the USG for Peace Operations, through the Director for Coordination and Shared Services (ODCSS). The UNOCC also receives strategic oversight from a Client Board of principals from each of the client entities. The UNOCC provides global situational awareness, crisis and risk management, and facilitates cross-pillar analysis and decision-making in the UN. The Centre is operationally positioned under the ODCSS between the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations. The Political Affairs Officer will report to the Coordinators of the UNOCC Watch Room.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, and monitors national and regional level political developments for the formulation of advice to seniors and to field missions and/or UN agencies active on the ground.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues in relevant countries and regions and makes linkages with relevant issues for UNOCC units and work.
- Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments, conducting geospatial data analysis and mapping to complement political analysis and inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat.
- Provides technical and substantive back up, including geospatial (GIS) analysis, in the implementation of mandates of the UNOCC. • 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 organisations, government and non-governmental organizations.
- Selects, classifies and stores in computerised databases and GIS information relating to potential disputes and conflicts globally.
- Participates in fact-finding missions to relevant countries.
- Prepares background material for meetings of the SG/DSG/USG with officials from relevant countries or for internal policy discussions.
- Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables, GIS mapping, and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic 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. 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 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.
- TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation 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, project management, public administration or other 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. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.
- At least two years of work in an international field setting is required.
- At least two years of experience in data analytics, geospatial analysis and mapping is required.
- One year of experience in producing varied analytical visualizations for leadership is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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