Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the regional political-operational structure of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO), in the Central and Southern Africa Division (CSAD), Democratic Republic of the Congo Integrated Operational Team (DRC-IOT). Under the general supervision of the Chief of Service, Democratic Republic of the Congo Integrated Operational Team and overall supervision of the Director, Central and Southern Africa Division in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa (OASG), the incumbent reports to the Senior Political Affairs Officer and may be called upon to travel in/to the area of assignment.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will function as a Desk Officer and will be responsible for the following duties:
- Support the UN peacekeeping operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in the implementation of its mandate.
- Support the senior leadership of Department for Peace Operations (DPO) and the United Nations in the management of the mission and the peace process in the DRC.
- Gathers select and analyze information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the thematic portfolios for which the staff member is responsible.
- Keep abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in MONUSCO and elsewhere in the Secretariat.
- Monitor national and regional level political developments and provides advice to MONUSCO.
- Provide technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the integrated operational team.
- Maintain contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters.
- Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations.
- Select, classify and store in computerized databases, information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo and countries of the Great Lakes region.
- Participate in fact-finding and other missions to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries as relevant.
- Participate in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and/or special missions.
- Prepare talking points, briefing notes and minutes of meetings of the SG/DSG/USG in liaison with officials from MONUSCO.
- Performs other function 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.
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 additional two 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 affairs, international relations or conflict resolution work at national or international levels is required.
- Experience in a UN peacekeeping operation or other relevant field operation in a civilian (non-uniformed) capacity is required.
- Experience in issues related to the Democratic Republic of Congo and/or Great Lakes region in Africa is required.
- Experience working at UN Headquarters or similar international organization headquarters is required.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in both oral and written English is required. Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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