Political Affairs Officer - United Nations - New York, NY

This post is located in the Middle East and West Asia Division (MEWAD) of the Department of Political Affairs (DPA). Under the general supervision of the MEWAD Director and Deputy Director, the incumbent reports to the Afghanistan Team Leader.

Responsibilities

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

• Performs the functions of Desk Officer for Afghanistan.


• 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 Afghanistan and in particular as they affect the thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible.


• Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in Afghanistan and the region and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in UNAMA and the Secretariat.


• Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice to UNAMA.


• 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 organisations, government and non-governmental organizations.


• Selects, classifies and stores in computerised databases information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving assigned country or region.


• Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility.


• Participates in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions.


• Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG with officials from countries under MEWAD’s purview.


• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause conflict or instability. Proven drafting ability. 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 degree) 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area. At least one year of experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, and reporting at the international level is required. Experience working in or on Afghanistan is desirable. A minimum of one year experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.

Assessment Method

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

United Nations Considerations

Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on “The Application Process” and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira account-holder homepage.

Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (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.