Political Affairs Officer, P3
Political Affairs Officer, P3
United Nations Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is in the Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa. The Political Affairs Officer works under the direct supervision of the Principal Political Affairs Officer.
Responsibilities
Within limits of delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Support the implementation of the mandate of the office in relation to its work on the Horn of Africa, including through implementation of the Comprehensive Regional Prevention Strategy;
- Supports the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the United Nations and its partners in the region, including the African Union, IGAD and other relevant stakeholders on their work in the Horn of Africa;
- Maintain up to date knowledge of trends, and developments in the field of peace and security, as they affect the Horn of Africa and provides advice to the Special Envoy on the opportunities for engagement of the UN and the Office in these matters, as appropriate;
- Keeps abreast of latest cross-border peace and security trends while monitoring national and regional level developments, as they affect the Horn of Africa;
- Develops and maintains relations with Horn of Africa member states, the diplomatic community and UN entities at the working levels;
- Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations in both specific country and the sub-regional context;
- Develops and maintains close working relations with UN Regional Offices, other Special Political Missions and Peacekeeping missions, and non UN organizations working in the Horn of Africa sub-region on matters relating to peace and security in order to facilitate coordination between the Office of the Special Envoy and these entities and advise on areas of possible collaboration and cooperation;
- Prepares and reviews briefing notes, talking points for the Special Envoy and other senior staff;
- Supports the Special Envoy in his/her good offices functions, as necessary;
- Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of. 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 the 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 and 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 degree) in political science, international relations, international economic, law, public administration or other related. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of 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 affairs, international relations, humanitarian affairs, conflict resolution or relevant related area and previous working experience in Africa is required;
- Experience in the field of peace and security in desirable;
- Experience working with African Union or sub-regional organizations in the Horn of Africa is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in English is required; and [‘fluency’ or ‘knowledge’] of French is [‘desirable’ or ’an advantage’]. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
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