Political Affairs Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The post is located within the Division for Policy, Evaluation and Training (DPET) of the Department of Peace Operations. The incumbent serves under the overall direction of the Chief, PBPS and reports to the Senior Programme Management Officer. The PBPS within DPET is responsible for a wide range of functions related to policy analysis, development, and implementation on cross-cutting peace and security issues and emerging questions relevant to the work of the Department and represents the Department in a range of interagency policy fora and discussions. The Policy, Evaluation and Training Division (DPET) is mandated to develop and disseminate the policy and doctrine guiding the work of Peacekeeping Operations. In addition, the division has the responsibility to evaluate, at the request of the heads of the departments, how those policies are being applied, gather lessons learned and best practices, and use that information to guide the development, coordination and delivery of standardized training, so as to complete the learning cycle. DPET is also responsible for developing and maintaining strategic cooperation with various UN and external partners.

Responsibilities

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

• Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political and security impact of intra-regional issues.
• Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to ASG/USG or Head of Mission.
• 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 working level lead representative for DPO in the joint DPPA-DPO-UNEP-UNDP Climate Security Mechanism and serves as focal point for DPO on the climate change, peace and security nexus.
• Arranges and participates in negotiations, peacekeeping operations and fact-finding missions.
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Develops and maintains partnerships 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 fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
• Provides input for assessment of staff to be deployed to important posts in the field (e.g. Resident Coordinators).
• Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
• Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism – Possesses extensive knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, especially related to non-traditional threats, including climate issues. Shows ability to conduct multi-dimensional risk analysis, including integration of quantitative data. Demonstrates knowledge of the UN System and in particular its work in the area of peace and security including in-depth knowledge of policy planning practices. Shows ability to represent Departmental positions and work collaboratively in interagency processes. 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, development or other related area. 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, development, conflict resolution, climate risk assessments or evaluation, or related area is required. Experience in policy planning, including policy analysis and development, particularly on cross-cutting issues including non-traditional threats, is required. Experience in design, development and delivery of the climate related training materials is required. At least two years of experience working on evaluation of climate related security risk for peacekeeping operations is required. Experience drafting and coordinating responses to requests by intergovernmental bodies is required. Experience coordinating project deliverables through inter-agency mechanisms is desirable. Experience in the design and implementation of risk assessments in support of conflict prevention is desirable.

Languages

• The working languages of the UN Secretariat are English and French. Fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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