Political Affairs Officer, P-3

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Knowledge Management Unit, within the Knowledge Management and Strategic Support Section of the Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch (PKMCB) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), at Headquarters in New York. Knowledge Management Unit is responsible for the development of knowledge management guidances, knowledge repositories and products, as well as for cross-entity collaboration, in addition to the regular work of the Section. The Political Affairs Officers will report to the Head of the Knowledge Management Unit. The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in June 2017.

The Office has five main functions:

• provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates across the United Nations System;
• enhance coordination and coherence across the 47 United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy;
• strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States;
• improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and
• ensure that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the United Nations System and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.

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, including the press.
• Drafts briefing materials, reports and talking points for senior officials.
• Develops knowledge and knowledge management products.
• Maintains knowledge management repositories and databases.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandates 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 missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat.
• Monitors national and regional level political developments.
• Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit.
• 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.
• Participates in conferences, seminars, and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, and policy matters related to counter-terrorism, the UN system and its work on counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism. 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.
• 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, international economics, law, public administration or other related. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work 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, diplomacy, conflict resolution or related area is required. At least two years of relevant experience in drafting political reports, analyses and briefing materials, including statements and talking points, in direct support of senior officials is required. Experience liaising with multiple stakeholders on relevant political and policy issues in the United Nations context, or that of a similar international organization, is required. Experience in knowledge management, development of knowledge or knowledge management products or information analysis is desirable. Experience working in the field of counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism issues is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post 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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