Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Western Africa Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The Political Affairs Officer will report to the Senior Political Affairs Officer/Team Leader of the Sahel Team, under the overall guidance of the Deputy Director of the Western Africa Division (political, non-mission and regional work and special political mission backstopping). The Division, which covers Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, is tasked with monitoring and reporting on major developments in the countries in West Africa and the Sahel, and recommending actions for addressing the related challenges, risks and threats. The Sahel Team covers Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. In its resolution 2690 (2023), the Security Council decided to terminate the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). In the resolution, the Council requested the Mission to start immediately on 1 July 2023 the cessation of its operations and transfer of its tasks, as well as the orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal of its personnel, with the objective of completing the process by 31 December 2023. The liquidation activities for MINUSMA were mandated to begin on 1 January 2024. Paragraph 7 of the resolution authorized, for the duration of the liquidation process, the retention of a guard unit from within the existing footprint of MINUSMA to protect liquidation personnel, facilities and assets.
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;
- Prepares analytical reports and papers; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence on Mali and the Sahel for senior UN officials;
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries, regions 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 and provides advice to field mission/UN agencies active on the ground;
- Provides strategic, 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;
- Selects, classifies and stores in computerised databases information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving assigned countries or region;
- Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries and regions within assigned area of responsibility;
- Participates in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions;
- Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG with officials from countries under the division’s purview;
- Contributes to the development of doctrine, lessons learned and knowledge management;
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of issues related to Mali and the Sahel. Knowledge of the work of the United Nations, and of the functions, priorities and policies of peacekeeping and its activities at both Headquarters and in the field. Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, 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 the 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, international law, diplomacy or related area at national or international level is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of 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, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required;
- A minimum of one year experience in a peace/field operation in a civilian (non-uniformed) capacity is required;
- Experience in preparing official correspondence/reports for an international organization is required;
- Experience working on or in Mali is required;
- Experience supporting the drawdown of a field operation is desirable;
- Experience advising or supporting senior officials is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the Secretariat. For this post, fluency in both oral and written English and French is required. Knowledge of another official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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