Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in June 2017. The Office has five main functions: (a) provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates across the United Nations System; (b) enhance coordination and coherence across the 46 Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the Strategy; (c) strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States; (d) improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and (e) ensure that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the United Nations System and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
This position is located in the Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism of the Secretariat, at Headquarters in New York. The Political Affairs Officer will report to the Chief of the Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch through Section Chiefs where applicable. The focus of these jobs is on supporting policy and enhancing coordination and coherence in the work of the United Nations on counter-terrorism, including through the effective implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Reviews and analyses key policy and strategic developments and emerging peace and security trends, in particular related to counter-terrorism and the prevention of violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism.
- Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues such as refugees, drug control and natural resources; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations.
- Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to Assistant Secretary-General/Under Secretary-General 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 United Nations (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, particularly related to counter-terrorism and violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism.
- 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, UN Member States, and governmental or intergovernmental law enforcement agencies 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.
- Supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff, and participate in the selection of new staff.
- 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 – Extensive knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, especially policy matters related to counter-terrorism and political analysis. In-depth knowledge of the UN System and its work on counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism, and shows ability to coordinate the United Nations on such issues. 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.
- 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 & 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 two additional years of 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, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.
- Experience working on counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism issues is required.
- Experience in leading interagency coordination at senior and UN Headquarters level, including through the development of joint reports is required.
- 5 years of experience in managing a team in a regional or global context is required.
- Work experience with governmental or intergovernmental law enforcement agencies is required.
- Experience in fundraising and/or extra-budgetary funding is desirable.
Languages
- The official language of the United Nations Secretariat is English and French. For the post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
Application instructions
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