DIRECTOR, POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Organizational Context

This role is within the shared political-operational structure of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO), specifically in the Central and Southern Africa Division. The Director reports to the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, and through them to the Under-Secretaries-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations.

Job Purpose

The Director will lead and manage the Central and Southern Africa Division, formulating and implementing its work program, setting priorities, and allocating resources. This involves overseeing activities, coordinating efforts within the UN system and with external partners, and contributing to departmental strategies and policies. The role requires monitoring political and security developments in the region to provide early warning of conflicts, managing the timely provision of analyses and reports to senior leadership and intergovernmental bodies, and offering counsel to Special Representatives and Heads of Mission. The Director will also advise on preventative diplomacy, peacemaking, and peacekeeping, and represent the organization in relevant forums.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage the Central and Southern Africa Division, including formulating and implementing its work program, setting priorities, and allocating resources. Oversee division activities, coordinate work internally and with external organizations, and contribute to departmental strategies and policies. Monitor political and security developments in Central and Southern Africa to provide early warning of conflicts. Manage the provision of political analyses, briefing notes, and reports to senior leadership and intergovernmental bodies. Provide counsel and support to Special Representatives and Heads of Mission, and maintain contact with field missions. Offer analysis and recommendations on preventative diplomacy, peacemaking, and peacekeeping. Coordinate with Member States, regional organizations, and UN entities. Ensure high-quality outputs and oversee administrative tasks, including budget preparation and staff performance evaluation. Recruit staff with due regard for diversity and manage, develop, and train division staff. Represent the organization in international meetings and perform other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in diplomacy, international affairs, political affairs, or peacebuilding is required. Specific experience in peace and security matters in Central and/or Southern Africa, providing analysis and developing strategy/policy for senior political engagement, and managing diverse senior-level teams is also required. Experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Political and conflict analysis, Report writing and editing, Planning and organizing, Accountability, Leadership, Judgement and decision-making, Diplomacy, International affairs, Peacebuilding, Strategy and policy development, Team management, Communication, Negotiation.

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