Political Affairs Officer, P-4

UNODA - United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs

New York, United States

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Conventional Arms Branch (CAB) of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) in New York. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Conventional Arms Branch (CAB). CAB works to prevent the proliferation of conventional arms and provides support to the United Nations and Member States in the implementation of measures and instruments on conventional arms regulation, including small arms and light weapons and conventional ammunition. The incumbent will support the implementation of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (A/78/111, annex), including the dedicated follow-up and review process.

Responsibilities

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

Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the General Assembly and its subsidiary organs, to disarmament and arms control treaties and instruments and to related bodies.
Reviews and monitors activities in the topics assigned; and assesses relevant trends.
Analyses political and related events and trends within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs.
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.
Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work.
Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
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.
Arranges and participates in negotiations, fact-finding and assessment missions, as required.
Meets regularly with Member States' officials, representatives of international, regional and civil society organizations to discuss matters related to assigned area.
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 with other sectors of the UN, other international and regional organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to conventional arms and ammunition.
Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
Drafts plans, projects and concept notes and supports the implementation of relevant activities.
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.
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.
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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and 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.
Experience providing secretariat support and/or participating in intergovernmental processes is required.
Experience in conventional arms and ammunition control or related area is required.
Supervisory or management experience is desirable.
A minimum of two years of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.