Political Affairs Officer, P-4

Political Affairs Officer, P-4

United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs-Department of Peace Operations-Shared Structure

New York, United States

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC), in the Research and Liaison Unit (RLU), which conducts research and integrated analysis on issues of concern to senior UN leadership while providing clients with integrated, analytically driven products. The position reports to the Deputy Director of the UNOCC. The UNOCC is a multi-party entity reporting to the USG for Policy in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG), and on peacekeeping matters, with oversight from the USG for Peace Operations. The UNOCC also receives strategic oversight from a Client Board of principals from each of the client entities. The UNOCC provides global situational awareness, crisis and risk management, as well as facilitates cross-pillar analysis and decision-making in the UN. The UNOCC is operationally positioned under the ODCSS between the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations.

Responsibilities

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

• Manages the Research and Liaison Unit, in consultation with the Deputy UNOCC, including overall planning and prioritization of resources.
• Reviews and monitors activities in countries and regions of interest to the Department of Peace Operations and other countries in crisis; assesses trends that might affect the political, security or socio-economic situation, analyses the political impact of intra-regional and other thematic issues; and recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations.
• Provides integrated analysis of political and security related events within assigned area with a view to supporting senior UN officials’ decision-making through the provision of, inter alia, in-depth research, qualitative and quantitative analysis, data analytics, and visualization.
• Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies.
• Drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Participates in the organization of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work, including the provision of analytical background material for such bodies.
• Arranges and participates in assessments of peacekeeping operations and fact-finding missions, when requested.
• Meets regularly with operational teams including UN staff, national officials as well as Military and Civilian Police officers to plan projects and review project activities.
• 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 contact with other UN entities, other international organizations and non-governmental organizations on coordination, policy, and data sharing; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations.
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
• Provides backstopping support to Joint Mission Analysis Centres (JMAC) in peacekeeping missions and equivalent entities in special political missions through policy and training work, as well as provides input for assessment of staff to be deployed to JMAC posts in the field.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of degree and/or non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Two years of direct experience in data analysis and data analytics (including proven direct production of visualizations) is required. At least two years of supervisory team experience is required. One year of field experience is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

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