Overview
The Political Affairs Officer will serve as substantive coordinator for the Office of Counter-Terrorism's Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch, supporting quality control and coordinating work with various UN entities.
Key Responsibilities
- Reviews, coordinates and monitors substantive as well as administrative work of the Branch; recommends solutions/possible action to address challenges.
- Responsible for the coordination of PKMCB work related to the Executive Committee of the Secretary-General and the Deputies Committee, including follow up on the implementation of the EC/DC decisions.
- Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to ASG/USG or Head of Mission.
- Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile 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.
- Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work.
- Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
- Arranges and participates in negotiations, peacekeeping operations and fact-finding missions.
- Meets regularly with operational teams including UN staff, national officials as well as Military and Civilian Police officers to plan projects and review project activities.
- Provides up-to-date information to the director 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 his/her assigned area of expertise.
- Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Branch, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
- Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Required 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. Strong coordination and drafting skills are required. Experience of working on counter-terrorism issues is required. Experience of working with Member States and UN entities is desired.
Qualifications
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.
