SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Northern Africa Division (NAD) of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). NAD monitors developments in its purview countries, recommends actions for challenges and threats, and supports key UN missions and envoys in Western Sahara and Libya. The role reports to the NAD Director.

Job Purpose

The Senior Political Affairs Officer will formulate political affairs strategies and policy directives to address political problems in North Africa, identifying emerging issues and recommending solutions. The role involves planning and implementing operational activities, integrating a rights-based, conflict-prevention, and gender perspective. Responsibilities include managing interdepartmental/interagency projects, preparing briefings for senior officials, designing political and peacekeeping initiatives, and advising on operations. The officer will lead a team, coordinate support missions, supervise research, represent the division, and respond to external queries on political, civilian, military, and humanitarian issues.

Responsibilities

Formulate political affairs strategies and policy directives for North Africa, identifying emerging issues and recommending solutions. Plan and implement operational activities, integrating rights-based, conflict-prevention, and gender perspectives. Manage and coordinate interdepartmental and interagency programs and projects. Prepare briefing notes and talking points for senior leadership. Design political and peacekeeping initiatives, advising on negotiations and developing operational plans. Lead and direct a team, including coaching, mentoring, and staff development. Act as a coordinator for complex missions. Supervise research on political issues in North Africa. Represent the division at conferences and respond to external queries.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in political affairs, international relations, conflict resolution, or a related field is required. Experience supporting UN peace operations in Africa or the Middle East, and specific experience in peace and security matters in North Africa or the Middle East are also required. Field operation experience within the UN system is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning & Organizing, Leadership, Judgment/Decision-Making, strategic advice, conflict resolution, gender perspective integration, research, representation, communication.

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