POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening) [Temporary] - United Nations - New York, NY

This position is found within the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch (SCSOB), Security Council Affairs Division (SCAD), Department of Political Affairs (DPA) in New York. Under the general supervision of the Chief of the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch, the incumbent reports directly to a Senior Political Affairs Officer.

Responsibilities

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

duties: • Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications from different sources, including the press, on compliance, outreach and dialogue • Drafts briefing notes, background papers, analytical reports, talking points and other documentation as needed • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they relate to the countries and thematic mandates on the agenda of the Security Council • Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat, with particular focus on Afghanistan/Taliban related issues • Monitors national and regional level political developments that could become a threat to international peace and security • Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the Security Council • Participates in provision of secretariat services to the Security Council, its subsidiary bodies, conferences, meetings, and/or special missions • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and member states and/or Panels of Experts 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 the Security Council, its subsidiary organs and Panels of Experts • Participates in missions of the Security Council and its subsidiary organs to countries within assigned area of responsibility • Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG with officials from countries under the Organization’s purview • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Excellent knowledge of the policies, procedures and practices of the Security Council. Ability to organize and summarize information required for the preparation of relevant documentation for the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies. Demonstrates substantive knowledge of sanctions issues and the work of Security Council-mandated expert groups, as well as familiarity with the relevant decisions of the Security Council, in particular on the issues related to Afghanistan and the Taliban. Demonstrates the ability to analyse sanctions trends and to exercise political judgment. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.


• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits inputs 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 area. 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, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in the provision of substantive support to the Security Council and/or its subsidiary organs is desirable. Experience on Afghanistan/Taliban related issues is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Fluency in Dari/Pashto is desirable.

Assessment

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

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, 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 or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

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.

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 the inspira account-holder homepage.

The screening and 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, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: 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 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.