Political Affairs Officer, P3

Position description

This position is located in the Northeast Asia and the Pacific Team in the Asia and the Pacific Division (APD) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The incumbent reports to the Northeast Asia and Pacific Team Leader / Senior Political Affairs Officer.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Team Leader for Northeast Asia and the Pacific, the Political Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Gathers, selects and analyses information on the Pacific region contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press;
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of event relating to political issues in the Pacific region in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible;
• Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides input on issues to senior officials and colleagues in the field and elsewhere in the Secretariat;
• Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice to UN agencies active on the ground;
• Draft notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials;
• Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG/ASG with officials from countries under the Organization’s purview;
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other regional and subregional organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters;
• Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations;
• Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within the assigned area of responsibility;
• Carries out other administrative functions related to extra-budgetary matters;
• Performs other related duties as required.

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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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 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 science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required Experience in dealing with peace and security issues in the Pacific region is required. Experience supporting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda is required. Experience in administrative and budgetary processes of the UN is required. Experience in the workings of the United Nations (or similar international organization) at either HQ or field levels is desirable. Experience working with a regional organization is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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