Senior Political Affairs Officer

This position is located in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC). The Senior Political Affairs Officer will be based in Bogotá and will report to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG).

Responsibilities

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

• Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the Mission, i.e., peacebuilding, mediation and good offices. disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, conflict prevention and resolution, post-conflict rehabilitation, civil society support work, etc.; incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit.
• Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and other senior staff. Provides continuous guidance and advice to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and other Senior Leadership within the Mission concerning the organization of work, status of negotiations, and conduct of business including interpretation of the rules of procedure. Responds to/prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties and manages operations involving several components, including civilian, military, and humanitarian operations. Develops and maintains relations with senior government officials and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern. Participates in high level operational, budgetary, and programmatic meetings with Senior Officials within the Mission.
• Leads and directs a work team; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs. Responsible to enhance communication with Head of Offices in the field to comply with the Mission’s mandate. Manages, coordinates, organizes, and supervises research on a variety of political issues in the region and in Colombia. Designs peacebuilding initiatives; advises on and participates in the negotiation to establish operations and develops guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new operations.
• Plans, coordinates, and manages programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. Represents the office of the DSRSG/Mission at round tables, seminars, and conferences.
• Formulates the programme of work, budget, and medium-term plan of the office and participates in the overall approval of the programme of work, and administrative matters concerning the office of the DSRSG or Mission; coordinates and oversees work of colleagues and units.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economic, law, public administration, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, law, disarmament, security, conflict resolution or a related area is required. Experience in outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at international level in two or more substantive areas covered by United Nations field operations or other international organization is required. Experience working in ceasefire mediation in Latin America is required. Experience of leadership in multi-cultural settings, including management and coordination of multi-disciplinary teams is desirable. Experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in both English and Spanish (oral and written) is required.

Source: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/235881?language=en