UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs – Department of Peace Operations-Shared Structure

Position description

Responsibilities

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

• Reviews and monitors activities in Iraq and the region. Assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations.
• Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to ASG/USG or Head of Mission.
• Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work.
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
• Supports the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) including through the provision of technical and substantive backup in the implementation of the UNAMI mandate.
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments 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.
• Provides input for assessment of staff to be deployed to important posts in the field (e.g. Resident Coordinators).
• Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
• Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic, human rights and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. 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.
• 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.
• PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related area. 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.
• Experience in working on Middle East issues is required.
• Experience in providing support and backstopping to UN field operations is desirable.
• Experience in working on Iraq-related issues is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Application instructions