Political Affairs Officer, P-4
UN DPPA - United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
New York, United States
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Policy Planning Unit (PPU), within the Policy and Mediation Division (PMD) of the Department of Peacebuilding and Political Affairs (DPPA). The incumbent of the position reports to the Team Leader of PPU, the Chief of Policy, Regional Organizations and Guidance, and to the Director of PMD. PPU is responsible for a wide range of functions related to policy analysis, development and implementation on cross-cutting peace and security issues and emerging questions relevant to the work of the Department.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Reviews, monitors and analyses political and strategic developments as well as emerging and cross cutting peace and security issues, in particular in relation to geopolitical developments and their impact on international peace and security, preventive diplomacy, peacemaking and peacebuilding; assesses the political impact of regional and cross-boundary issues; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations.
- Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts reports of the Secretary-General as well as notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
- Acts as focal point on key thematic issues and assists in the formulation of advice and strategy, particularly in relation to new and emerging threats and challenges to peace and security.
- Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
- Maintains contacts and deepens partnerships with other sectors of the UN, as well as with other international and regional organizations, Member States, civil society organizations, think tanks and academic institutions on 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.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Extensive knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues. Ability to conduct independent research, including into key thematic issues and emerging trends. In-depth knowledge of the UN System and in particular its work in the area of peace and security. In-depth knowledge of policy planning practices. Shows ability to represent Departmental positions and work collaboratively in inter-agency processes. 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.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, international law or related field. 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, international law, conflict resolution or related area is required.
- Experience in policy planning in the United Nations system, including policy analysis and development, as they related to peace and security, is required
- Experience in leading major policy reviews in the area of international peace and security is required.
- Experience supporting intergovernmental processes in the General Assembly or Security Council in the area of international peace and security is required.
- Experience in networking with academic institutions, research organizations and think tanks in the area of international peace and security is required.
- Experience engaging in reform processes in international organizations is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position, advertised fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in another UN official language is an advantage.
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