Political Affairs Officer, at Department of Peace Operations , NY

About the role

The political affairs officer position is located in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), Office of the Under‑Secretary‑General (OUSG) and reports to the Chief of Office.

• Participates in the discussion and formulation of political and technical strategies in the field as needed.
• Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned; assesses trends and developments which might affect the political and operational situation and their impact on relevant peace operations.
• Analyses political and other events in assigned area and monitors, analyses and reviews political, policy and cross‑cutting issues related to peace operations, with a view to provide early warning advice to the USG and Chief of Office.
• Prepares analytical reports on electoral matters of concern to the Assembly, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points and other correspondence for senior UN officials as required.
• Meets regularly with counterparts in the DPO, DPPA, UNDP, and other departments, agencies and programmes of the UN System to plan projects and review project activities as needed.
• Ensures up‑to‑date information regarding substantive political matters and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters with regards to operations; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations as needed.
• Briefs donors and other interested parties as needed and assists in resource mobilization activities.
• Drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for the USG DPO.
• Acts as focal point for collection and analysis of information on political, policy and crosscutting issues, as assigned.
• Maintains contacts and coordinates policy matters with relevant offices in the Secretariat and the UN system, with other international organizations, and with Member States; briefs Member State representatives.
• Carries out, in consultation with supervisors, administrative functions relating to the staffing, planning and budget of an operation; including the selection of staff assigned to missions.
• Backstops for the Chief of Office and serves as OiC of the OUSG Front Office during the absence of the Chief of Office, as required.
• Performs other related duties and special assignments, as required.

• Professionalism:
  Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on political issues and propose solutions to political problems in specific areas or countries; relate various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas; show pride, motivation, persistence, calmness; incorporate gender perspectives; analyze and interpret data for decision‑making and convey to management.
• Communication:
  Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens; asks questions; tailors language, tone, style, and format to match audience; demonstrate openness.
• Planning & Organizing:
  Develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priorities; allocates time and resources; foresees risks; monitors and adjusts plans and actions; uses time efficiently.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, law, public administration, or a 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.

Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, conflict resolution or a related area. Minimum of three years of experience working in a front office providing substantive policy advice and support to senior UN officials or a comparable international organization. Experience in a peacekeeping operation in Africa is required.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in both oral and written English is required; fluency of French is…