POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Light Coordination Mechanism (LCM) of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) in New York. DPO directs UN Peacekeeping operations globally, liaising with the Security Council and contributing nations. The LCM facilitates partnerships between Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) and Member States to enhance training and capacity building for peacekeeping missions.

Job Purpose

The Political Affairs Officer provides essential substantive and technical support to the Light Coordination Mechanism (LCM) and related activities within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). This role contributes to the DPO's mandate of directing UN Peacekeeping operations by supporting the LCM's function of fostering partnerships for training and capacity building. The officer will analyze information on training providers and needs, coordinate with UN entities and Member States, and monitor political developments to advise field missions. The position is crucial for integrating efforts, developing policy, and ensuring effective training delivery to meet the evolving demands of peacekeeping operations and contributing countries.

Responsibilities

The Political Affairs Officer will gather, analyze, and interpret information on training providers, police-contributing countries, and field missions. Responsibilities include coordinating with UN entities and Member States to identify and address police training and capacity-building needs, and facilitating relevant activities. The role involves staying updated on current events, monitoring political developments at national and regional levels, and providing advice to field missions and UN agencies. The officer will offer technical and substantive support for mandate implementation, liaise with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments on coordination and policy matters, and monitor actions of intergovernmental groups and NGOs. Additionally, participation in fact-finding missions, providing secretariat services for various UN bodies, and preparing meetings with officials are key duties. Coordinating budget and financing activities is also part of the role.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Experience in coordinating, facilitating, and deconflicting UN and Member State training activities for police-contributing countries and peacekeeping missions is essential. Three years of experience in military or police peacekeeping training standards and one year working in a UN peacekeeping mission are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, subject matter mastery, conscientiousness, efficiency, persistence, calm under stress, gender perspective integration, effective communication (speaking and writing), active listening, client orientation, partnership building, needs assessment, and problem anticipation.

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