Org. Setting and Reporting

The post is located in the Climate, Peace and Security Unit (CPSU) within the Policy and Mediation Division (PMD) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. The Unit serves as focal point for DPPA on issues related to the interlinkages between climate change, peace and security; acts as lead representative for DPPA in the DPPA-DPO-UNDP-UNEP Climate Security Mechanism; and works to ensure that DPPA political analysis, prevention, good offices, and peacebuilding efforts integrate climate and environmental considerations to enhance peace and security. The incumbent will report to the Team Leader of CPSU/PMD.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Provides technical advice to special political missions and other partners on the analysis of climate, peace and security linkages and the integration of climate considerations in prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding strategies. • Monitors policy developments in the area of climate, peace and security, conducts research as relevant, and develops expertise in specific thematic areas. • Supports DPPA’s participation in the interagency Climate Security Mechanism and supports joint knowledge management, advocacy and capacity building efforts. • Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press. • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible. • Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat. • Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice to field mission/UN agencies active on the ground. • Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit. • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters. • Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations. • Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Possesses extensive knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, especially related to the interlinkages between climate change, peace and security; demonstrates experience managing intersectoral consultation processes; shows ability to conduct multi-dimensional risk assessments; demonstrates knowledge of the UN System and in particular its work in the area of peace and security, including project management practices; demonstrates ability to represent Departmental positions and work collaboratively in interagency processes; 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. • 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. • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international relations is required. Experience in political analysis, policy development, and multi-stakeholder coordination is required. Knowledge of the peace and security work of the United Nations is required Experience supporting or backstopping field missions is required. Experience working on West and Central Africa and/or the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is required. Experience in climate and environmental governance is desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is financede through extra-budgetary funds and is temporarily available until 31 December 2025. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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.