Political Affairs Officer, P4

Position description

This post is located in the Eastern Africa Division of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. The incumbent works in the backstopping team for the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (O-PESG) for Sudan, and reports to the Team Leader/Senior Political Affairs Officer.

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Reviews and monitors activities in the Sudan; assesses trends and emerging issues which might affect the implementation of O-PESG’s mandate; recommends strategies, solutions/possible action by the United Nations. • Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to O-PESG. • Prepares analytical reports and papers on 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. • Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment. • Arranges and participates in negotiations and fact-finding missions. • 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 the work of O-PESG. • Carries out, in consultation with the Team Leader, administrative functions to support O-PESG’s operations. • Drafts plans for all phases of operations and participates in activities of implementation with respect to O-PESG’s mandate. • Performs other related duties as required.

Professionalism: Thorough knowledge and understanding of the UN’s role in preventive diplomacy, good offices, mediation and conflict resolution; Ability to analyze political situations and provide strategic advice on a broad range of political issues to senior officials; Proven strong understanding of political and security dynamics in the Sudan and the region; Ability to build effective relations with key stakeholders and members of the international community; Ability to draft quickly and well, edit and produce cogent analysis of political, social, and economic events; Shows pride in work and 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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments and 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.

Qualifications

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

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. A minimum of four years of experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis and reporting is required. Experience in providing advice to senior management related to conflict prevention and resolution is required. A minimum of three years of experience providing backstopping support to UN peace operations is required. Experience supporting good offices or mediation efforts is required. At least three years of experience working on peace and security issues in Sudan is desirable. Experience liaising with Member States in the context of international organizations is desirable.

Application instructions

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