SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Americas Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) in New York. The Senior Political Affairs Officer will report to the Director of the Americas Division and will serve as team leader for South America, contributing to conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts in the region.

Job Purpose

The Senior Political Affairs Officer will formulate political affairs strategies, develop policy directives, and propose action plans for immediate and long-range solutions to political problems within South America and the broader Latin American and Caribbean region. This role involves identifying emerging issues, analyzing implications, and making recommendations for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The officer will plan and implement operational activities, manage interdepartmental programs, prepare analyses and reports for senior UN officials, and lead a team in data analysis for informed decision-making. The position requires monitoring political developments, assessing regional policies, and advising senior government officials, often in Spanish, to provide early warning and policy options.

Responsibilities

Formulate political affairs strategies, policy directives, and action plans for political problem-solving in South America and the wider Latin American and Caribbean region. Identify emerging issues, analyze implications, and recommend strategies for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Plan and implement operational activities, incorporating a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and gender perspective. Manage interdepartmental and interagency programs and projects. Prepare briefing notes, analyses, and reports in English and Spanish for senior UN officials. Lead data collection and analysis efforts to inform planning and decision-making. Monitor and assess political developments, analyze regional policies, and provide early warning and policy options. Manage and supervise research on political issues. Lead and direct a work team, including coaching, mentoring, and staff development. Represent the division at international forums. Respond to queries and prepare statements in English and Spanish. Formulate the team's work program, budget, and medium-term plan. Develop and maintain relations with senior government officials, advising them on mutual concerns, often in Spanish.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, and reporting is essential. Field experience in Latin America and the Caribbean, and experience working with legislative bodies and Member States within an international organization are also required. Data analytics experience is desirable.

Skills

Expert-level competence in political affairs, particularly in the Americas region. Strong analytical and reporting skills. Ability to formulate strategies and policy recommendations. Experience in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation. Leadership and team management capabilities. Excellent communication skills in English and Spanish. Interpersonal skills for engaging with government officials. Planning and organizational skills. Judgment and decision-making abilities. Experience incorporating gender perspectives into work.

Explore related opportunities