Political Affairs Officer, P-4

Political Affairs Officer, P-4

United Nations

Geneva, Switzerland

Org. Setting and Reporting

The post is located in the Office of the Director-General of UNOG, in the Political Affairs and Partnerships Section, NGO Liaison Unit. The incumbent will be under the general supervision of the Head of Political Affairs and Partnerships Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Is responsible for ensuring a fruitful cooperation between UNOG and civil society, especially with NGOs enjoying consultative status with ECOSOC; initiates and coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations and studies; participates with substantive departments, in the elaboration of policies and strategies to integrate civil society in activities taking place at UNOG.
• Provides substantive advice, guidance, and assistance to the Director-General, departments and services at UNOG, UN and specialized agencies staff, and Permanent Missions, including Host Country, on policy matters, as well as politically sensitive issues related to civil society, such as NGOs, academic institutions, think tanks and youth groups; keeps abreast of United Nations and civil society activities in fields of mutual cooperation, especially those of the competence of the Economic and Social Council, reporting on them and making substantive analysis; provides up-to-date information through written outputs to senior officials regarding substantive matters related to civil society developments and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Provides information, advice, guidance, and assistance to civil society actors on substantive issues, including the Sustainable Development Goals, International Geneva, peace and security matters, equality and inclusion, multilateralism, and partnerships as well as ways and means to contribute efficiently to the work of the United Nations; strengthens outreach to civil society on key UN priorities.
• Initiates actions to improve coordination among officials dealing with NGOs at UNOG and Geneva-based specialized agencies, cooperates with substantive departments to ensure that proper procedure is followed with regard to the participation of NGOs in UN activities, and liaises with the corresponding sections at UNHQ.
• Organizes consultations between UN officials and civil society representatives; assists in making arrangements for meetings organized by NGOs at UNOG, represents the UN at these meetings, reports on them, and carries on necessary follow-up action; participates in seminars, workshops, and conferences related to his/her assigned area of expertise; speaks to groups and organizations on different subjects or on behalf of the Director-General, and writes speeches, talking points, notes, reports and correspondence for him/her as well as for other senior UN officials.
• Ensures smooth and productive relations between representatives of governments and NGOs within activities taking place at UNOG and acts as a reference person on NGO-related matters at UNOG for the Swiss Authorities; gives advice and orientation at an early stage to both NGOs and UN colleagues, and informally to governments representatives, with a view to ensure the smooth running of meetings and activities and to prevent conflicts; cooperates with the authorities of the Host Country with regard to the granting of visas to NGOs participating in UN meetings or in relation to requests addressed to NGOs wishing to set up an office in Switzerland or receive assistance from the Swiss Authorities.
• Serves as a Deputy to the Head of the Political Affairs and Partnerships Section and oversees the administration of the NGO Liaison Unit. Carries out the administrative work as required by the office.
• Supervises or carries out accreditation procedures and facilitates participation of NGOs in various UN meetings and conferences.
• Organizes internships and trains students on issues related to NGOs and civil society.
• Performs various other substantive and managerial functions at the request of the Director-General, the Chief of Staff, or the Head of Political Affairs and Partnerships Section.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of United Nations mandates and activities concerning the participation of NGOs in the work of the Organization. Ability to advise senior officials on sensitive issues in relation to the work of NGOs with the United Nations, including the ability to present and defend difficult positions. Ability to assess trends in the work of NGOs and their relationship with the United Nations, and advise on possible courses of action. Shows pride in work and in achievements. 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.
• Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
• 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.
• 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. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in international relations, political science, law, human rights or related field is required. 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 seven years' of progressively responsible experience related to political affairs, including at least five years of experience at the international level in fluids requiring analysis of complex political matters and presentation of recommendations to senior officials, preferably at the United Nations is required. Experience in drafting policy speeches for senior level officials is required. Experience in leading a team is required. Proven experience in facilitating-collaboration between the United Nations and civil society actors is required. Experience in an international or regional organization in partnership building and working with external partners is required. Providing direct support to a high-level UN official is desirable. Preparing and coordinating substantive reports as well as other communications in a variety of formats is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is desirable.

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