Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is under the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (OSESG) on Myanmar which is currently temporarily located in Bangkok. Under the overall direction of the Special Envoy, the incumbent will report to the Head of Office. The Office of the Special Envoy supports the implementation of the Secretary-General’s good offices General Assembly mandate on Myanmar.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Reviews and monitors activities in Myanmar; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues such as refugees, , human rights, socio-economic developments as well as issues of humanitarian access; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations • Analyses political and related events within Myanmar with a view to provide early warning advice to the Special Envoy or Head of Office. • 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. • Prepares meetings of the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar, including through the drafting of talking points, speeches, background notes, correspondence and other materials. • Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment. • Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters 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. • Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • 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 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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. • 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) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related area is required. A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, humanitarian assistance and coordination, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. At least two years of experience supporting good offices or mediation efforts as part of a political process is required. At least one year of experience working on peace and security issues in/on the situation of Rohingya and Rakhine state in Myanmar is required. At least two years of experience working with Resident Coordinators, UN Country Teams or development and humanitarian organizations working in sensitive contexts is required. Experience working on UN budgetary policies, financial regulations and with the operations of the intergovernmental and legislative machinery is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.

Special Notice

This is a temporary position and will initially be available from 1 September 2025 through 31 December 2025. If selected, an internal candidate will be on temporary assignment to the post; an external candidate will initially be offered a temporary appointment. Any extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and continued availability of the post. The United Nations is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality within the Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Pursuant to section 6.9 of ST/AI/2010/3/Rev. 1, interns, consultants, individual contractors and gratis personnel may not apply for or be appointed to any vacancy in the Professional or higher categories within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. Subject to the availability of funding for the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.