Political Affairs Officer (Strategic Planning), P4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Strategic Planning Unit in the Office of the Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) within the Office of the Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) in New York. The Political Affairs Officer (Strategic Planning) reports to the Senior Political Affairs Officer.

Established in 1997, UNMAS works to eliminate the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices by coordinating United Nations mine action, leading operational responses at the country level, and supporting the development of standards, policies and norms.

As a specialized service of the United Nations located within the Department of Peace Operations, UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council. UNMAS also responds to specific requests for support from the UN Secretary-General or designated official.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer (Strategic Planning) will be responsible for the following duties:

• Coordinates and provides strategic planning support to undertake and/or implement recommendations related to UNMAS programme delivery and related change management processes.
• Supports the preparation of the UNMAS HQ work plan, the work plans for UNMAS programmes on Regular and Assessed budget cycles and ensures work plans and budgets conform to UN secretariat standards for field operations.
• Reviews and monitors activities in the legislative and budget bodies and advisory committees related to UNMAS; assesses trends which might affect the implementation of the UNMAS mandate, strategies and programme implementation; recommends solutions/possible action by UNMAS.
• Prepares analytical reports and papers on matters of concern to UNMAS strategic direction, programme implementation and change management; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Provides up-to-date information regarding substantive strategic and planning matters and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Acts as focal point for collection of inputs and analyses of information on change management, budget processes and programme strategy.
• Arranges and participates in negotiations, peacekeeping operations and fact-finding missions.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on strategy, change management and 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.
• Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrates knowledge of the Secretariat regulations and rules underpinning field programme work plans and budgets submitted for review by the General Assembly; 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.
• 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 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, strategic planning or related area is required.
• A minimum two years of experience in strategic budgeting and planning including the Results-Based Budget (RBB) framework and performance reporting for complex field operations within in the UN System or comparable international organization is required.
• A minimum of two years of experience in strategic planning and/programme management in the areas of mine action, security sector reform and/or stabilization in a field operation in a conflict or post-conflict environment is required.
• Experience implementing relevant UN Secretariat policies, procedures and operations, including legislative and budgeting processes, is required.
• Experience preparing talking points and presentations to inform the decision-making of senior-level audiences 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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