SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Europe and Central Asia Division (ECAD) of the UN Secretariat's Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The incumbent leads and manages the DPPA Liaison Office in Kyiv, reporting to the Director of ECAD. The role is part of the ECAD Eastern Europe Team, coordinating with them and DPPA-DPO.

Job Purpose

The Senior Political Affairs Officer leads and manages the DPPA Liaison Office in Kyiv, Ukraine. The role involves providing analytical updates on political developments, assessing their impact on peace and security, and offering strategic advice for UN actions. A key function is maintaining communication channels with senior government officials, political parties, civil society, and international partners. The officer monitors daily political and security developments, prepares briefing materials for senior UN leadership, and supports the implementation of DPPA mandate priorities, including peace-building and Women, Peace, and Security initiatives. The position also involves coordinating with UN Country Teams, supporting visiting UN officials, and managing the liaison office's programmatic and substantive work.

Responsibilities

Provide regular analytical updates on political developments in Ukraine, assessing their significance for peace and security, and recommending early warning actions and strategic advice for UN support. Maintain communication and engagement with senior government officials, political parties, civil society, the diplomatic community, and international partners. Monitor daily political and security developments, providing regular reporting and analysis. Prepare briefing notes and analytical inputs for senior UN leadership. Identify, design, and support the implementation of policies and initiatives aligned with DPPA mandate priorities, including peace-building and Women, Peace, and Security. Participate in UN coordination mechanisms and provide political advice to the UN Country Team. Coordinate substantive and operational matters with relevant UN agencies and support conflict-sensitive programming. Support missions and visits by DPPA and other senior UN officials. Provide managerial oversight for the liaison office team, including work planning, administrative matters, and staff recruitment. Coordinate research on political issues and engagement with local partners. Represent DPPA at relevant conferences and events.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in political affairs, international relations, conflict resolution, or a related field is required. Demonstrated experience in field liaison work with senior government and international partners in Eastern Europe is essential. Experience within the UN system supporting preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peacebuilding, with a proven track record in political analysis, is also required. Experience working on or in Ukraine and managing multicultural teams in complex political contexts is necessary.

Skills

Excellent political analysis and conflict prevention skills. Strong knowledge of UN peace and security practices. Proven experience in political work with European countries and organizations. In-depth understanding of European policy agendas, particularly in Eastern Europe and the conflict in Ukraine. Diplomatic, liaison, and representational skills. Ability to operate autonomously and manage complex operations. Strong planning, organizing, and client orientation abilities. Strategic vision and sound judgment/decision-making.

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