Political Affairs Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, established pursuant to resolutions 1526 (2004) and 2253 (2015), concerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida, the Taliban, and associated individuals and entities, functionally reporting to the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch (SCSOB) of the Security Council Affairs Division (SCAD) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) at the United Nations, New York. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Branch, the incumbent reports directly to a Senior Political Affairs Officer. SCSOB provides support to subsidiary bodies established by the Security Council, particularly sanctions committees and the groups of experts that assist them in overseeing sanctions regimes.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Reviews and monitors activities on the agendas of the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies related to the maintenance of international peace and security and assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues such as sanctions, refugees, drug control and natural resources.
• Analyses political and related events on the agenda of the Security Council with a view to providing early warning advice to ASG/USG or other senior officials.
• Prepares analytical reports and summaries on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Serves as Branch focal point for Security and other related matters.
• Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council, in particular, to sanctions committees and other subsidiary bodies related to its work; serves as Secretary of such bodies.
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
• Liaises with the DPPA Executive Office, DMSPC, DOS, DSS and other offices to support the implementation of Branch’s activities and mandates.
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters related to the maintenance of international peace and security 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.
• Organizes and leads ad-hoc teams, including to organize SCSOB related trainings and lead annual transition periods. Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
• Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Branch, administrative functions relating to the staff planning, human resources and budget. Performs other related administrative duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the policies, procedures and practices of the Security Council. Experience in implementing administrative functions relating to staff planning, human resources, security and budget. Ability to research, select, organize and summarize information required for the preparation of relevant documentation for the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies, as well as executive bodies. 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.

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.

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 economics, law, public administration or other related. 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 in the provision of substantive support to the Security Council or its subsidiary organs is required. Experience working on and supporting UN sanctions issues is required. Experience working in or in support of a special political mission of the United Nations Common System is desirable. Previous experience working in the office of a senior public official is desirable. Experience in facilitating and coordinating multi-stakeholder processes is desirable. Experience carrying out administrative functions relating to the staff planning, human resources and budget is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available until 30 June 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.

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