Senior Political Affairs Officer

Job Opening

Posting Title: SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P5 (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Code Title: SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Department/Office: Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs-Department of Peace Operations-Shared Structure

Duty Station: NEW YORK

Posting Period: 31 October 2023 - 06 November 2023

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei Integrated Operational Team (UNISFA IOT) in the Eastern Africa Division of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The incumbent will report to the Deputy Director, under the general supervision of the Director of the Eastern Africa Division.

Responsibilities

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

• Leads the provision of technical and substantive advice and assistance in the daily management and backstopping support to the United Nations Mission Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA); proposes policy directives and plan of action for immediate and long range solutions to political problems in Abyei; identifies emerging issues pertaining to the mandates of UNISFA; analyses implications and makes recommendations on possible strategies and measures.

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political, peacekeeping and security issues, in general, and as they affect Abyei; incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities within areas of responsibility.

• Coordinates inputs and activities of the UNISFA IOT with other DPPA-DPO divisions, DOS and DSS in support of UNISFA operational plans, and manages projects and activities requiring interdepartmental and/or interagency involvement and participation.

• Liaises with other UN departments, agencies, funds and programmes, as appropriate, on matters relevant to UNISFA and Abyei, and represents the UNISFA IOT in interdepartmental/agency working groups.

• Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council and other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, briefing notes and talking points, code cables, speeches, and other correspondence for senior UN officials.

• Designs peace operation initiatives; advises on and participates in the negotiation to establish operations and develops guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new operations.

• Attends meetings of the Security Council and General Assembly and their subsidiary bodies, negotiating bodies sessions, conferences, and meetings on Abyei and the wider region as required.

• Leads and directs a work team; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs.

• Meets regularly with operational teams including UN staff, national officials as well as Miliary and Civilian Police Officers to plan projects and review project activities.

• Participates in and acts as coordinator for complex coordination and support missions to Abyei as required.

• Represents the Eastern Africa Division (EAD)/ UNISFA IOT at round tables, seminars and conferences.

• Responds to/prepares responses to comments, statements, queries of parties and manages operations involving several components, including civilian, military and humanitarian operations.

• Formulates the budget, planning frameworks, operational guidance and participates in the overall approval of the programme of work, and administrative matters concerning UNISFA and other UN initiatives as required.

• Develops and maintains relations with senior government officials and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of the work of intergovernmental bodies, the work of the United Nations and its related bodies concerned with political, economic, social and related matters. Ability to evaluate international political situations in area of assignment. Ability to manage and coordinate many different levels and participants in operations in both the field and UN common system. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

• Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.

Experience working on political issues related to Africa is required.

Experience in political analysis, advice and reporting is required.

Experience in peace operations, particularly in the areas of civil/political affairs, law enforcement, civil-military relations, operational planning, human rights monitoring, humanitarian and relief field work is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available until 19 September 2024, with a possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.