POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This Political Affairs Officer position is within the United Nations Representative to the Geneva International Discussions (UNRGID) office in Geneva. Geneva is a designated 'H' family duty station. The role requires regular travel and extended stays within the UNRGID's area of responsibility. The officer reports to the UN Representative/Co-Chair through senior leadership within the UNRGID and the Europe and Central Asia Division.

Job Purpose

The Political Affairs Officer will support the implementation of the UNRGID's mandate concerning the Geneva International Discussions and the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM). This involves providing substantive advice to the UN Representative/Co-Chair, closely monitoring regional political and security developments for early warning, and conducting political analysis and reporting. The role includes preparing analytical documents, facilitating visits, coordinating discussion rounds with international partners (EU, OSCE), and managing operational liaison for incidents. The officer will also maintain relationships with various international actors and support policy-related submissions, contributing to the UN's co-chair role in these critical diplomatic processes.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include contributing to the UNRGID mandate implementation and supporting the UN Representative/Co-Chair with substantive advice on the Geneva International Discussions and the IPRM. The role requires close monitoring of regional political, security, and humanitarian developments to provide early warnings and deliver political analysis and reporting with recommendations. This involves preparing various documents, including analytical reports and correspondence. The officer will also organize and prepare for visits and official rounds of discussions, coordinating logistics with international partners and UN Geneva. Participation in IPRM meetings, drafting agendas and records, and ensuring operational liaison with participants and co-chairs are crucial. Maintaining relationships with international actors like EUMM and UN agencies, and serving as a focal point for policy issues are also key duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in political affairs, international relations, law, security, or conflict resolution is required. Essential experience includes conflict/political analysis, drafting reports, political outreach, and coordination with regional organizations. Experience in a conflict/post-conflict setting or UN peace operations is necessary. Four years of experience in peace and security matters in Eastern Europe, particularly the South Caucasus, is required. Experience supporting mediation or peacebuilding is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, strong analytical and reporting skills, communication (written and verbal), planning and organizing, political outreach, liaison, facilitation, coordination, and experience with regional organizations.

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