political affairs officer

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the regional political-operational structure of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO), in the Central and Southern Africa Division (CSAD), Democratic Republic of the Congo Integrated Operational Team (DRC-IOT).

Under the general supervision of the Chief of Service, Democratic Republic of the Congo Integrated Operational Team and overall supervision of the Director, Central and Southern Africa Division in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa (OASG), the incumbent reports to the Senior Political Affairs Officer and may be called upon to travel in/to the area of assignment.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will function as a Desk Officer and will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the UN peacekeeping operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in the implementation of its mandate.
• Support the senior leadership of Department for Peace Operations (DPO) and the United Nations in the management of the mission and the peace process in the DRC.
• Gathers select and analyze information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the thematic portfolios for which the staff member is responsible.
• Keep abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in MONUSCO and elsewhere in the Secretariat.
• Monitor national and regional level political developments and provides advice to MONUSCO.
• Provide technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the integrated operational team.
• Maintain contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters.
• Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations.
• Select, classify and store in computerized databases, information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo and countries of the Great Lakes region.
• Participate in fact-finding and other missions to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries as relevant.
• Participate in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions.
• Prepare talking points, briefing notes and minutes of meetings of the SG/ DSG/ USG in liaison with officials from MONUSCO.
• Performs other function related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. 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.
• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

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 additional two years of 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 political affairs, international relations or conflict resolution work at national or international levels is required.

Experience in a UN peacekeeping operation or other relevant field operation in a civilian (non-uniformed) capacity is required. Experience in issues related to the Democratic Republic of Congo and/or Great Lakes region in Africa is required. Experience working at UN Headquarters or similar international organization headquarters is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in both oral and written English is required. Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of another UN official 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 post is financed by the Support Account for Peace Operations for an initial period of one year. The appointment and renewal thereof are subject to availability of funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her.

In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

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.

For this position, applicants from troop and police contributing countries who are found most suitable and recommended for selection will be given due consideration for positions in a peacekeeping operation or Headquarters support account funded position taking into account their contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, in accordance with General Assembly resolutions 66/265 and 67/287.

For the latest list of troop- and police-contributing countries, visit the following website:

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.

The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.

The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship.

Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs.

The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c).

In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira.

For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on "Manuals" hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines.

Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening.

No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted.

Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING).

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

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