Overview
The Political Affairs Officer will review and monitor activities and emerging issues in an assigned country, assess trends affecting the political situation, and recommend solutions to advance mandated objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Reviews and monitors activities and emerging issues in the country assigned, assesses trends which might affect the political situation according to the assigned portfolio and/or applicable mandate; recommends solutions/possible action by the United Nations with a view to providing early warning advice and advancing mandated objectives.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the country and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible.
- Keeps abreast of the latest trends and developments and provides high-quality written inputs and analysis on pertinent issues to the Head of Office.
- Prepares and contributes to analytical reports and papers as requested; drafts briefing notes, background and options papers, talking points, speeches, and other correspondence.
- Maintains contacts with local authorities, UN agencies, INGOs/NGOs, civil society actors, academic and research institutions, and other interlocutors on matters related to the mandate of the Special Envoy as part of broad outreach.
- Participates in field visits and other missions, as required; supports preparations for official meetings, events and visits; prepares written minutes of meetings/visits and assists with follow-up activities, as appropriate.
- Contributes to the formulation and implementation of the Office's programme of work.
- Carries out administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
- Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
- Performs other relevant duties as required.
Required Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in political issues, international relations, law, diplomacy, disarmament, security, international development, conflict resolution or related areas is required. Experience working on Middle East issues and Syria in particular is desirable. Experience working on mediation, dialogue or facilitation processes is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related fields. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.
