Political Affairs Officer, P-3

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located within the Middle East Division (MED) of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). As a member of the MED Gulf Team, the incumbent reports to the Senior Political Affairs/Gulf Team Leader, under the overall supervision and guidance of the Director and Deputy Director of MED.

Responsibilities

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

• Gathers, selects and analyses information regarding the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as well as regional and sub-regional organizations, such as the League of Arab States, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and GCC.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries of the GCC and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible.
• Monitors and analyzes national and regional level political and other developments with a view to providing advice to the Director and Deputy Director of MED, Assistant Secretary- General for the Middle East and Asia Pacific and/or the Under-Secretaries-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations as well as Resident Coordinators and UN agencies on the ground, as appropriate.
• Contributes to the drafting of reports, notes, background papers, talking points, code cables, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials, as required.
• Maintains contacts with other teams within the Middle East Division and other DPPA-DPO divisions; other UN departments, agencies, funds and programmes; other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters, as appropriate.
• Monitors actions taken regarding countries of the GCC by intergovernmental groups, UN entities, governments and non- governmental organizations.
• Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility, as required.
• Support the Gulf Team’s responsibilities, including as a back-up, as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solution to political problems in the countries of the GCC. Shows ability to identify and analyze political, social, humanitarian and economic issues in affected countries and areas. 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.

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

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience working for the United Nations or a similar international organization is required Experience in dealing with peace and security issues on the Middle East and/or Gulf regions, as well as working with regional organizations is required. Experience in project management is desirable. Knowledge of work of the United Nations and of the functions, priorities and policies of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations is required.

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. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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