Political Affairs Officer

Organizational context:
The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) is the UN's centre of excellence for peace operations, managing conflict and sustaining peace through political agreements and strategic advice. This role is within the DPO's Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG) in New York, reporting to the Chief of Office.

Job purpose:

The Political Affairs Officer will contribute to the UN's peace operations by formulating and implementing political and technical strategies. This involves monitoring and analyzing political trends in assigned regions, providing early warning advice to senior leadership, and preparing analytical reports. The role requires close coordination with various UN departments, agencies, and Member States to ensure effective policy alignment and operational support.

The officer will also draft correspondence for senior officials and manage administrative functions related to staffing and budget for peace operations, ensuring smooth execution and recommending actions for improvement.

Responsibilities:
Formulate and discuss political and technical strategies for field operations. Monitor and analyze activities, trends, and developments in assigned countries or regions, assessing their impact on peace operations and providing early warning advice to senior UN officials. Prepare analytical reports, including on electoral matters, and draft notes, background papers, and correspondence for senior leadership. Coordinate with internal UN departments (DPO, DPPA, DOS, DMSPC) and external entities, including other international organizations and governments, on policy matters and project activities.

Act as a focal point for collecting and analyzing political, policy, and cross-cutting issues. Maintain contacts and coordinate policy matters with relevant offices, international organizations, and Member States, including briefing representatives. Undertake administrative functions related to staffing, planning, and budgeting for operations, including staff selection. Perform other related duties and special assignments as required.

Education:

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in political science, international relations, law, public administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with relevant experience may be accepted as an alternative.

Work experience:

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in political science, international relations, law, or conflict resolution is required. Three years of experience in a front office providing policy advice to senior UN officials or a comparable international organization is also required. Experience in peacekeeping operations in Africa and another region is necessary. Experience in budget coordination is desirable.

Skills:

Professionalism, analytical skills, data interpretation, communication (written and verbal), teamwork, and coordination.

Required languages:
English, French

Desired languages:
Spanish