Political Affairs Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This job opening is with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the incumbent works under the general direction of the Head of Mission and the supervision of the Senior Advisor.

Responsibilities

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

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of events and trends relating to political and other relevant issues in the area of responsibility and the wider region and provide inputs, recommendations and advice to the SRSG and convey inputs and guidance to senior officials and colleagues in Mission and elsewhere in the Secretariat.
• Work closely with the Senior Adviser in coordinating the work of the other mission components to ensure that the SRSG’s guidance is reflected in a coherent and integrated mission-wide approach to the mandate.
• Bring to the attention of the SRSG all matters requiring SRSG’s personal attention, make recommendations on how those matters might be handled, and ensure appropriate follow-up, as directed.
• Prepare draft reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council, draft briefings to the Security Council and other such documents; prepare various written materials, such as analytical reports and papers, statements, draft notes, background papers, briefing notes, talking points, information notes, speeches other correspondence for the SRSG; provide quality control for daily and weekly reports and for HQ.
• Together with the other components of the mission, assess trends that might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues, recommend solutions/possible action that can be taken by the Mission.
• Attend meetings of the SRSG and ensure that appropriate records of meetings are kept; attend and document meetings on behalf of the OSRSG.
• Gather, select and analyze information on EU developments related to Cyprus, and developments relating to Turkey.
• Develop and maintain contacts with Cypriot authorities, political parties, organizations, civil society and NGOs; raise the awareness of all concerned on the activities of UNFICYP; promote cooperation, interaction and trust among all concerned. Interact frequently with mission components, UN agencies, funds and programs, other international organizations and governments including the EU on coordination and policy matters.
• As requested, coordinate and review incoming and outgoing correspondence of the SRSG.
• Plan, organize and manage conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops as directed by the SRSG.
• Support the office of the SRSG in the preparation of documents on behalf of the mission including planning frameworks and documents, results-based budgeting inputs and comprehensive performance assessment system. Support the office of the SRSG in the implementation of any plans.
• In collaboration with the Good Offices mission, support the facilitation of high-level technical committees and direct contact mechanism between the parties. Work with the Special Assistant to the Special Adviser to ensure close coordination and maximum integration between UNFICYP and OSASG.
• Attend and speak at seminars and other meetings related to assigned areas.
• Define work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and formulate solutions to political problems in the mission area; Ability to relate various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programs in the country, sub-region and region; strong analytical skills combined with good judgment; ability to convey recommendations in a concise manner. Effective negotiation skills and ability to promote mutually satisfying and sustainable solution; 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.
• Judgment and Decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
• 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.
• 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 qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, diplomacy, conflict resolution or related area is required. At least three (3) years’ experience in the international field is required.
• Experience on Cyprus, the wider Eastern Mediterranean region (Middle east, Turkey and North Africa) region and in a conflict or post-conflict area is desirable
• Experience working in a peacekeeping operation and/or a special political mission is desirable.
• Previous experience working in the front office of a senior level official is desirable.
• Experience managing teams is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of a second official UN language is an asset.

Application instructions

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