Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO), in the front office that supports the work of the Assistant Secretary General overseeing Europe, Central Asia and the Americas in New York. The incumbent will report to the Assistant Secretary-General for the Americas, Europe and Central Asia through the Special Assistant.
Responsibilities
The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Provides advice and recommendations to senior officials on key issues in the area of responsibility and ensures the quality standards are met for advice, recommendations and briefings provided by other parts of the organization. • Communicates senior-level decisions and guidance to the relevant desks in DPPA-DPO and ensures that the decisions are implemented. • 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. • 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 organizations, government and non-governmental organizations. • Drafts and reviews project proposals and budgets for the use of extra-budgetary funds by the office, monitors project implementation and drafts project reports. • Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG with officials from countries under the Organization's purview. • Drafts and monitors workplans for the office, gathers information on the workplans from the Divisions and compiles reports on their implementation. • Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Shows ability to support senior officials in high-level political engagement and preventive diplomacy. Shows ability to conduct in-depth analysis and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. 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. Planning and 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. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Education
Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in Political Science, International Relations, International Economics, Law, Public Administration or a related field. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience maybe 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 political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in conflict prevention, mediation, preventive diplomacy or peacekeeping is required. Experience drafting sensitive political analysis and diplomatic correspondence is required. Experience working on issues related to the Americas, Europe, Central Asia or working on decolonization topics is required. Experience in a front office supporting senior officials is required. Experience in drafting work plans and managing project budgets is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Spanish and Russian are desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).


Required Languages
Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking
English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III
Desirable Languages
Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking
Spanish UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III
Russian UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III