These posts are financed by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations. Extension of appointment will be subject to budgetary approval. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Applicants from troop- and police-contributing countries who are found most suitable and recommended for selection will be given due consideration for positions in a peacekeeping operation or Headquarters support account funded positions in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field of Support, taking into account their contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, in accordance with General Assembly resolutions 66/265 and 67/287.
Org. Setting and ReportingThe two positions are located in the Asia, Middle East, Europe and Latin America Division (AMELAD) in the Office of Operations (OO), Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO).
For the posts advertised, the Political Affairs Officers will serve as Desk Officers in the Middle East and North Africa Integrated Operational Team (MENA IOT) and the Europe, Latin America and Asia Integrated Operational Team (ELAA IOT) within Office of Operations (OO), DPKO. The incumbents will directly report to the Team Leader of the MENA IOT & the Team Leader of the ELAA IOT Team Leader, respectively, under the general supervision of the Director of the Asia, Middle East, Europe and Latin America Division (AMELAD), Office of Operations (OO), DPKO.
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officers will be responsible for the following duties:
• Monitor operational developments in UNIFIL, UNDOF, UNTSO, MINURSO, MINUSTAH and/or UNMOGIP, reviewing available information in situation reports, cables, correspondence, media, etc. Identify matters for follow-up and the need for action, ensure consultation and input from the actors involved, and help coordinate timely responses to issues and questions raised in the field, as well as monitor and follow up on outstanding issues.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible.
• Keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat.
• Assist in the drafting of various documents related to UNIFIL, UNDOF, UNTSO , MINURSO, MINUSTAH and / or UNMOGIP including briefing notes to the Security Council, talking points, background papers and briefing notes for meetings of senior officials with parties, contributors, Member States, etc.
• Monitor national and regional level political developments and provides advice to field mission/United Nations (UN) agencies active on the ground.
• Provide technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit.
• Maintain contacts with other sectors of the United Nations, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters.
• Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations.
• Participate in fact finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility.
• Participate in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions.
• Prepare meetings of the Secretary-General (SG)/ Deputy Secretary-General (DSG)/ Under-Secretary-General (USG) with officials from countries under the Organization’s purview.
• Perform other related duties as required.
PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. 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.
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related area is required. A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, conflict resolution, political or development work or related areas, preferably in a multilateral context, is required. Experience and familiarity with the political and operational conditions in a field operation in Asia, Middle East, Europe and Latin America region is desired. Experience in the drafting of reports, as well as backstopping of a field operation is desirable.
LanguagesEnglish and French are the official working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the posts advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French or Arabic is desirable.
Assessment MethodEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations ConsiderationsCandidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on “The Application Process” and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira account-holder homepage.
Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
