Senior Political Affairs Officer, P-5

United Nations Department of Political Affairs and Peace-building

New York, United States

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch (SCSOB) of the Security Council Affairs Division (SCAD), Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), United Nations, New York. The incumbent will report to the Chief of the Subsidiary Organs Branch. SCSOB provides support to subsidiary bodies established by the Security Council, particularly sanctions committees and groups/panels of experts who assist them in overseeing sanctions regimes.

Responsibilities

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

Formulates political affairs strategies; develops a vision or direction for work; proposes policy directives and plan of action for immediate and long-range solutions to political problems in general and specifically those that relate to the Security Council and its subsidiary organs; identifies emerging issues pertaining to the mandates of the unit; analyses implications and makes recommendations on possible strategies and measures.
Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the division/department, i.e., providing substantive support to the Security Council and its subsidiary organs where appropriate; incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit.
Plans, coordinates and manages programmes, projects and activities requiring interdepartmental and/or interagency involvement and participation.
Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Secretary-General, Senior Advisers, Under-Secretary- General/Assistant Secretary-General.
Supervises the drafting of Secretary-General’s reports to the Security Council.
Coordinates and directs the provision of secretariat services for the Security Council, special conferences and summits.
Provides continuous guidance and advice to the Presidents and Chairs as well as other elected offices of intergovernmental bodies concerning the organization of work, status of negotiations, conduct of business including interpretation of the rules of procedure.
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.
Acts as coordinator for complex coordination and support missions.
Manages, coordinates, organizes and supervises research on a variety of political issues on the agenda of the Security Council.
Represents division/office/mission 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 programme of work, budget and medium-term plan of the unit and participates in the overall approval of the programme of work, and administrative matters concerning the Section/Division or mission; coordinates and oversees work of colleagues and unit.
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 and experience with the policies, procedures and practices of the Security Council. Ability to research, select, organize and summarize information required for the preparation of relevant documentation for the Security Council. 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.
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 & 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.
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.
Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or other 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 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 and supporting UN sanctions issues is required. Experience working on peace and security issues in Africa is required. Experience managing a team in a regional or global context is required. Experience in the provision of substantive support to the Security Council or its subsidiary organs is desirable. Experience in a field-based mission, peacekeeping or other field-based special political mission or other UN funds, programmes or agencies, or other organization located in the field is desirable. Experience in facilitating and coordinating multi-stakeholder processes is desirable. Experience with UN budgetary policies, financial regulations and with the operations of the intergovernmental and legislative machinery is desirable.

Languages

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

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