Political Affairs Officer, P-3

UNODA - United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs

Geneva, Switzerland

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Geneva Branch of the Office for Disarmament Affairs. The position reports to the Senior Political Affairs Officer. The Branch provides substantive, secretariat, organizational and administrative support to the Conference on Disarmament, review conferences and other meetings of States parties to multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation agreements and to treaty-making conferences, expert groups and other disarmament meetings under the responsibility of the Branch.

Responsibilities

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

Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to developments and political issues as they affect thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible.
Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, senior officials and colleagues.
Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit.
Maintains contacts with other sectors of the United Nations, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters.
Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, United Nations organisations, government and non-governmental organizations.
Participates in provision of secretariat services to the Conference on Disarmament and the General Assembly, including its subsidiary organs, negotiating bodies, conferences, and other meetings.
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.
Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.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

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

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in providing direct support to the work of multilateral intergovernmental processes is required. Substantive experience relating to developments in emerging weapon technologies, and developments relating to outer space in particular, is desirable.