Political Affairs Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Political Affairs officer will serve in the Conventional Arms Branch of the Office for Disarmament Affairs and will report directly to the Chief of Branch. The Conventional Arms Branch provides substantive support for the role of the United Nations in preventing the proliferation of conventional arms, through the support for UN meetings, bodies and expert groups; promoting implementation of relevant agreements and treaties; and operating and maintaining relevant transparency instruments. For more information of ODA, please refer to.

Responsibilities

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

• Coordinates inputs to and oversees the functioning of the transparency instruments, databases as well as monitors developments on military expenditures, the United Nations register of conventional arms and the arms trade.
• Reviews and monitors activities in the topics assigned and assesses relevant trends.
• Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs.
• Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work.
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
• Arranges and participates in negotiations, and fact-finding missions, as required.
• Meets regularly with Member States’ delegates, representatives of regional and civil society organizations to discuss matters related to assigned area.
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations.
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic for a related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
• Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Branch, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
• Drafts plans, projects and concept notes and supports the implementation of relevant activities.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes 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 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.
• 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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. Knowledge of the operations of the transparency instruments, confidence and security-building measures of the United Nations, or similar international organization is required. Experience in the management of meetings of intergovernmental bodies, including experts groups is required. Knowledge of United Nations programme budget formulation is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Application instructions

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