Political Affairs Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Peacebuilding Commission Support Branch of in the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The incumbent will report to the Chief of the Branch through a Senior Political Affairs Officer. Established in 2005, the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) helps to sustain peace by fostering international support for nationally owned and led peacebuilding efforts. The Office assists and supports the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), manages the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) on behalf of the Secretary-General, and works to enhance system-wide coherence and partnerships with UN and non-UN actors in support of building and sustaining peace in relevant countries. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) focuses primarily on five action areas in international peace and security, ensuring sound analysis and early warning, preventing conflict and engaging in peacemaking, managing political crises and violent conflicts, sustaining peace, and enhancing partnerships. The Department’s mandate is to prevent and resolve conflict through inclusive political solutions.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority of the Chief of the PBC Support Branch, and under the guidance of a Senior Political Affairs Officer/Team Leader within the branch, the incumbent:

• Provides technical and substantive support to the implementation of mandates of the office, branch and unit; including assisting the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), including by contributing to the formulation of peacebuilding strategies and their dissemination;
• In collaboration with responsible colleagues from across the UN system, monitors activities in the regions and countries assigned, researches and analyses information from different sources, and assesses trends which might affect the political, regional or peacebuilding situation;
• Drafts analytical and background papers, and prepares draft inputs to PBC and Secretary-General reports to the General Assembly and Security Council; and assists in drafting talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials;
• Contributes to the mapping and analysing of existing strategies and frameworks related to peacebuilding in the countries and regions assigned, with a view to strengthening coordination of relevant peacebuilding actors;
• Provides assistance in organising PBC meetings; supports the organisation of Chairs’ visits and overall engagement in support of regions and countries assigned;
• Supports the organization of meetings between the ASG for Peacebuilding Support and other relevant interlocutors, as they pertain to the countries and regions assigned to the incumbent within PCSB;
• Liaises with relevant UN departments and offices, relevant international and regional organisations, including financial institutions, and governments and provides briefings and other necessary preparatory work for the Commission meetings with those actors;
• Participates, as required, in the relevant inter-departmental taskforces on countries or regions assigned.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Shows ability to analyse and identify peacebuilding challenges and offer proposals for addressing such challenges in the countries on the agenda of PBC; Ability to integrate knowledge of country contexts with broader policy and operational objectives; Shows ability to integrate knowledge of country – and region – specific contexts with broader policy and operational objectives. Shows understanding of the inter-agency processes relating to peacebuilding; Shows ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; Shows ability to negotiate and seek and reach agreement in inter-agency processes; Shows ability to improve processes and procedures relating to PBC engagement with countries on its agenda; 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.
• 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 law, political/development economics, public administration or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying 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 working for an international multi-lateral organisation on issues related to peacebuilding or conflict resolution is desirable. Experience in intergovernmental processes is desirable.

Languages

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

Application instructions

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