POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P3

Organizational Context

This position is within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, specifically the Policy and Mediation Division's Guidance and Learning Unit. This unit is responsible for developing and maintaining the Department's strategy for knowledge management, guidance, lessons learned, and training. It also handles policy issues for Special Political Missions, focusing on integration and transitions. The role collaborates with other teams within the Division and reports to the Chief of Policy and Guidance.

Job Purpose

The Political Affairs Officer's purpose is to support the Guidance and Learning Unit in developing and maintaining the Department's knowledge management strategy. This involves creating guidance materials, facilitating knowledge management and lessons learned exercises, and staying updated on political developments relevant to assigned mandates. The role contributes by gathering and analyzing information, providing advice to field missions and UN agencies, and offering technical and substantive support for the unit's mandates. The officer will also maintain coordination with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments, and manage training and guidance materials in databases. This position is crucial for enhancing the Department's capacity in political analysis, policy development, and operational support for peace and security initiatives.

Responsibilities

The Political Affairs Officer will facilitate and prepare guidance materials for priority gap areas, gathering and analyzing relevant information. They will conduct knowledge management and lessons learned exercises for the Department and field missions. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of political events affecting assigned mandates is essential. The role involves participating in assessment and planning missions, and providing input on trends to senior officials and colleagues. The officer will monitor national and regional political developments, advising field missions and UN agencies. They will provide technical and substantive support for the unit's mandates, and liaise with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments on policy matters. Additionally, the role includes monitoring actions of intergovernmental groups and NGOs, and managing guidance, lessons learned, and training materials in databases.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political analysis, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Specific experience in guidance development, knowledge management, and lessons learned within peace and security is also necessary. Experience supporting Special Political Missions with planning and working with UN missions/operations is required. Desirable experience includes mainstreaming gender, peace, and security into training and knowledge management activities.

Skills

• Professionalism: Strong research, analytical, and drafting skills; ability to analyze complex political processes; track record in knowledge management and learning related to peace and security; commitment to results and professional integrity. • Communication: Ability to draft clearly and concisely; effective verbal and written communication; active listening and appropriate response; tailoring communication to the audience. • Teamwork: Collaborative approach to achieving goals; valuing colleagues' input and expertise; willingness to learn; prioritizing team objectives; supporting group decisions; sharing credit and accepting joint responsibility.

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