POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in New York, specifically in the Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch (PKMCB). The Political Affairs Officer serves as the substantive coordinator for PKMCB, reporting to the Chief. The role involves supporting the branch's quality control and coordinating its work with other UNOCT offices and teams.

Job Purpose

The Political Affairs Officer is responsible for coordinating the substantive and administrative work of the Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch (PKMCB) within UNOCT. This includes monitoring progress, recommending solutions to challenges, and coordinating PKMCB's engagement with high-level UN committees. The role involves analyzing political events to provide early warning advice, preparing analytical reports and papers for senior UN officials, and drafting correspondence. The officer will also act as a focal point for political information, participate in negotiations and missions, and maintain liaison with various UN entities, international organizations, and Member States to ensure effective coordination and policy alignment. The ultimate goal is to provide well-analyzed information and recommendations to senior officials to facilitate problem-solving and decision-making.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include reviewing, coordinating, and monitoring the branch's substantive and administrative work, proposing solutions to challenges, and managing the coordination of PKMCB's contributions to UN Executive and Deputies Committees. The role involves analyzing political events for early warning, preparing analytical reports and papers on sensitive issues for UN bodies, and drafting communications for senior officials. The officer will also support the organization of Secretariat services for committees, act as a focal point for political information analysis, and participate in negotiations and fact-finding missions. Regular engagement with operational teams, UN staff, national officials, and military/police officers is required for project planning and review. Additionally, the role entails providing updates and recommendations to the director on political matters, maintaining contact with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments for coordination, and participating in relevant conferences. Administrative functions related to staff planning and budget, as well as drafting and implementing operational plans, are also part of the duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Strong coordination and drafting skills are essential. Experience in counter-terrorism issues and working with Member States and UN entities is desired.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, analytical skills, coordination, drafting, communication, problem-solving, information analysis, liaison, negotiation, administrative management.

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