DIRECTOR, POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Organizational Context

This position is within the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Peace Support (PBPSO) in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). Following a reorganization, PBPSO integrates DPPA's Peacebuilding Support Office with three former OROLSI offices. The office is headed by an ASG with dual reporting lines and comprises seven sections, focusing on peacebuilding and peace support initiatives.

Job Purpose

The Director, Political Affairs/Deputy Head of PBPSO, reports to the Assistant Secretary-General and leads the senior management team. This role provides strategic leadership, guidance, and management for PBPSO's operations, focusing on developing peacebuilding strategies and policies in support of the Peacebuilding Commission and the UN system. The incumbent acts on behalf of the ASG on policy and operational matters, oversees the formulation of policy proposals, identifies emerging issues, and recommends strategies for peacebuilding challenges. The role involves managing efforts to develop and refine PBC instruments, monitor stabilization efforts, and advise UN leadership and Permanent Missions. It also ensures coordination with UN entities and external partners, oversees reporting to inter-governmental bodies, and manages administrative tasks, including budget preparation and staff performance evaluation.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage PBPSO's senior management team and overall operations, including performance management and administrative efficiency. Provide strategic leadership and guidance on policy and operational matters, supporting the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and UN system in developing peacebuilding strategies and organizational capacities. Oversee the formulation of policy proposals on peacebuilding and peace support, addressing rule of law components (DDR, Justice, SSR), and recommend solutions for peacebuilding challenges. Manage the development of peacebuilding strategies for the PBC and UN leadership, including monitoring PBC instruments and stabilization efforts. Provide strategic policy advice to PBC stakeholders and countries, assessing implementation progress. Ensure programmatic and policy coordination with UN entities and represent PBPSO in senior coordination forums. Maintain contact with senior mission leadership and UN Country Teams. Lead partnership development with external stakeholders, particularly in Africa. Oversee the preparation of reports for inter-governmental bodies and report on budget/programme performance. Undertake and oversee programmatic/administrative tasks, including budget preparation, performance monitoring, and staff evaluation. Chair meetings, represent the Organization at international forums, and provide expertise. Deputize for the ASG as necessary.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible international experience in peacebuilding, post-conflict transition, governance, or programmatic management is required. Experience working in conflict, post-conflict, or transition countries with peacebuilding activities is essential. Experience representing an organization at a senior level is also required. Results-based management experience is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Accountability, Communication, Leadership, Judgment & Decision-Making, policy development, strategic planning, management, reporting, inter-agency coordination, partnership building, results-based management.

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