Political Affairs Officer, P3
Political Affairs Officer, P3
UNODA - United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is physically located at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The incumbent reports to the lead officer for the implementation of European Union Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/97 in support of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), based in the Geneva Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). Along with an Associate Political Affairs Officer and a G4 Programme Assistant, and in close cooperation with the BWC Implementation Support Unit (ISU), the Political Affairs Officer will work on the implementation of European Union Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/2072 in support of building resilience in biosafety and biosecurity through the BWC. All activities of the Political Affairs Officer will be coordinated with the BWC ISU and the EU Council Decision project staff based in Geneva. The Political Affairs Officer will also work closely with UNODA’s UN Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) Regional Coordinator for Africa based in Addis Ababa.
The BWC ISU forms the core of the secretariat of BWC meetings; maintains and develops the Convention's website; receives and distributes information submitted annually by States parties under the system of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs); collates details of national measures to implement all aspects of the BWC; acts as a clearing house for assistance; interacts with relevant international organizations, scientific and academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations; and attends relevant meetings and events.
The ISU also assists the Chairperson of BWC meetings in promoting universalization of the BWC, conducting outreach, maintaining details of progress towards universality and reporting on progress to States parties. For more information, please refer to https://www.un.org/disarmament/biological-weapons.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Implements project pillar 1 on strengthening the implementation of the BWC and advancing its universalization in Africa and supporting any other Africa-related activities under the EU Council Decision, as necessary.
- Liaises closely and coordinates activities with relevant stakeholders, sub-regional groupings and partner organizations based in Africa and beyond in order to explore opportunities for synergies with regional frameworks on peace and security, health security and development.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to disarmament issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the mandates for which the staff member is responsible.
- Plans, directs and participates in workshops, seminars and other activities under the Decision and coordinates regional and in-country activities and assistance visits.
- Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of disarmament and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in the Secretariat.
- Monitors relevant national and regional level political developments and provides advice to senior officials and colleagues.
- Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit.
- Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters.
- Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and nongovernmental organizations.
- Selects, classifies and stores in computerised databases information relating to the implementation of the EU Council Decision.
- Participates in missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility.
- Participates in provision of secretariat services to conferences, meetings, and /or special missions.
- Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG with officials from countries under the Organization's purview.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism
Knowledge of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and related disarmament, non-proliferation and international security issues, in particular in the African context. 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.
Accountability
Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
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.
Client Orientation
Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work 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, multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation, security or related area is required.
- Experience in implementation support and project management in an international organization context is desirable.
- Previous work experience in Africa is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and knowledge of French is required.
