POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Science, Technology and International Security Unit of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs in New York. The Unit advises on scientific and technological issues relevant to international security, including autonomous weapons and AI in the military domain. It supports disarmament priorities through research and analysis, and liaises with other offices and intergovernmental bodies.

Job Purpose

The Political Affairs Officer will advise on scientific and technological issues impacting international security, focusing on areas like autonomous weapons and AI. The role involves analyzing political and technological trends to provide early warning and recommendations to senior officials. Responsibilities include preparing analytical reports, drafting correspondence for UN leadership, and servicing intergovernmental bodies. The incumbent will also act as a focal point for information analysis, maintain inter-organizational contacts, and contribute to UN disarmament initiatives and publications. This includes developing strategies for industry partnerships and organizing workshops on science and technology in relation to peace and security, utilizing data visualization for reporting and decision-making.

Responsibilities

Monitor and analyze cross-cutting disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control issues, assessing treaties and geopolitical trends to recommend UN actions. Provide early warning advice on political and related events to senior leadership. Prepare analytical reports and papers on sensitive matters for UN bodies, and draft correspondence for senior officials. Support intergovernmental bodies by organizing and supervising secretariat services. Serve as a focal point for collecting and analyzing political information, providing updates and recommendations to senior officials. Maintain coordination and policy dialogues with UN offices, international organizations, and governments. Participate in conferences and academic forums. Assist with administrative functions, including programme implementation, staff planning, and budget. Act as a focal point for the UN Disarmament Yearbook and ODA's Education Strategy, developing behavioral science interventions and strategic foresight techniques. Develop industry partnership strategies and organize workshops on science and technology for international peace and security. Draft project plans and participate in their implementation. Utilize data visualization methods to analyze data, identify trends, and support planning and reporting.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, or conflict resolution is required. Four years of experience in science and technology related to international peace and security is also required. Experience drafting high-level reports on emerging technology issues (e.g., AI, autonomous weapons), servicing intergovernmental bodies, and cross-entity coordination is necessary. Desirable: experience in data analytics.

Skills

Professionalism, analytical skills, communication (written and verbal), information management, inter-organizational coordination, drafting reports and correspondence, data analysis and visualization, strategic thinking, technological awareness, creativity.

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