SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P5

Overview

The Senior Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for formulating political affairs strategies, planning and implementing operational activities, and managing programmes and projects within the Northern Africa Division.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulates political affairs strategies and proposes policy directives.
• Plans and implements operational activities, incorporating a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and gender perspective.
• Plans, coordinates, and manages programmes, projects and activities requiring interdepartmental and/or interagency involvement.
• Prepares briefing notes and talking points for senior officials.
• Designs political and peacekeeping initiatives, advises on negotiations, and develops operational plans.
• Leads and directs a team, plans work assignments, and coaches staff.
• Acts as coordinator for complex coordination and support missions.
• Manages, coordinates, organizes, and supervises research on political issues in North Africa.
• Represents the division at various forums.
• Responds to queries from other offices and external parties on political, civilian, military, and humanitarian issues.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in providing support to UN peace operations in the areas of political affairs in or on Africa or the Middle East is required. Experience in peace and security matters in North Africa or the Middle East is required. Experience working in a field operation of the United Nations common system (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN regional commissions, agencies, funds, and programmes) or similar international organization or nongovernmental organization in Africa or the Middle East is desirable.

Qualifications

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Other Details