Overview
The Senior Political Affairs Officer/Team Leader will act as the head of the secretariat for specific working groups, formulating strategies, planning and implementing operational activities, and providing guidance and advice.
Key Responsibilities
- Acts as the head of the secretariat for the Doha process working groups (WGs) on counternarcotics and the private sector
- Formulates strategies; develops a vision or direction for work; proposes policy directives and plan of action for immediate and long range solutions to problems within the scope of work of the secretariat of the WG; identifies emerging issues pertaining to the mandates of the secretariat; analyses implications and makes recommendations on possible strategies and measures.
- Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the secretariat, i.e., political outreach, analysis and reporting in relation to the work of the WGs, etc.; incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the secretariat.
- Plans, coordinates and manages programmes, projects and activities requiring interdepartmental and/or interagency involvement and participation within the scope of work of the secretariat.
- Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Head of Mission and other senior staff.
- Provides continuous guidance and advice to DSRSG-Political.
- Leads and directs a work team; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff.
- Responds to/prepares responses to comments, statements, queries of parties with regard to the work of the secretariat.
- Formulates the programme of work, budget and medium-term plan of the secretariat and participates in the overall approval of the programme of work, and administrative matters concerning the secretariat; coordinates and oversees work of colleagues and the secretariat.
- Develops and maintains relations with senior government officials and representatives of the international community and advises on issues and policies of mutual concern in the scope of work of the secretariat.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Required Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience working in an international organization or non-governmental organization – in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. Extensive demonstrable experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. Experience in leading a multi-cultural team is required. Experience in supporting a multi-stakeholder political process including national authorities and other national stakeholders as well as member states and international organizations is required. Experience working on or in Afghanistan or the region is desirable. Experience working on political economy and/or on counternarcotics is required.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
