Political Affairs Officer, P-3

UN DPPA - United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

New York, United States

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Policy Planning Unit (PPU), within the Policy and Mediation Division (PMD) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs at Headquarters in New York. Under the overall supervision of the Chief, the incumbent reports to the Team Leader of PPU. PPU is responsible for a wide range of functions related to policy analysis, development and implementation on cross-cutting peace and security issues and emerging questions relevant to the work of the Department.

Responsibilities

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

Reviews and analyses key policy and strategic developments and emerging peace and security trends, in particular related to geopolitical developments and their impact on international peace and security;
Prepares analytical notes and reports on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies;
Drafts reports of the Secretary-General as well as notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials;
Represents DPPA in coordination bodies and fora inside and outside the UN system, including inter-agency taskforces;
Acts as focal point on priority cross-cutting areas and assists in the formulation of advice and strategy for the Department, particularly in relation to A New Agenda for Peace;
Provides up-to date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and makes recommendations on actions to take;
Establishes and maintains contacts and deepens partnerships with other sectors of the UN, as well as with other international organizations, in particular regional and sub-regional organizations active in peace and security, Member States, civil society organizations, think-tanks and academic institutions on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations;
Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise;
Carries out, in consultation with the Team Leader and Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to planning and budget;
Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, especially related to geopolitics and political analysis. Ability to conduct independent research, including into emerging peace and security trends as well as key cross-cutting issues. In-depth knowledge of the UN System and in particular its work in the area of peace and security. In-depth knowledge of policy planning practices. In-depth knowledge of the work of United Nations intergovernmental organs and Member State positioning on policy issues. Shows ability to represent Departmental positions and work collaboratively in interagency processes. 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

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, disarmament, security, conflict resolution or related area is required;
Experience working in intergovernmental processes in the area of peace and security in an international organization is required;
Experience drafting major policy documents in the area of international peace and security is required;
Experience conducting geopolitical analysis related to international peace and security is required;
Experience engaging in reform processes in international organizations is desirable;
Experience in networking with academic institutions, research organizations and think-tanks in the area of international peace and security is desirable.

Languages

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

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