SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Organizational Context

This position is within the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General at the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in Bangui. The incumbent reports to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, supporting the implementation of the Mission's mandate and enhanced reporting requirements.

Job Purpose

The Special Assistant, Political Affairs (P-4) supports the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in executing the Mission's mandate, with a focus on enhanced reporting and analysis as per Security Council resolution 2800 (2025). This involves coordinating the preparation of high-level outputs, ensuring integrated and coherent inputs, and maintaining quality control for timely submissions to Headquarters and the Security Council. The role provides advice on emerging issues, proposes policy options, and ensures follow-up on senior leadership decisions. It also involves managing tracking mechanisms for accountability and institutional memory, drafting sensitive correspondence, and fostering relationships with national and international stakeholders to support coordination and engagement.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include supporting the SRSG in mandate implementation, particularly regarding enhanced reporting and analytical requirements from Security Council resolution 2800 (2025). The role coordinates the preparation of Security Council reports, briefings, talking points, and key messages, ensuring integrated, coherent, and forward-looking analysis. Quality control and timely submission of politically sensitive materials to Headquarters are crucial. The Special Assistant advises the SRSG on emerging issues, proposes policy options, and ensures follow-up on decisions. Establishing and maintaining tracking mechanisms for accountability and institutional memory is also a core duty. Additionally, the role involves drafting and reviewing official documentation, maintaining liaison with national authorities and international partners, organizing high-level meetings, and coordinating actions related to mission transition phases.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in political affairs, international relations, diplomacy, peace and security, or conflict resolution is required. Experience in drafting analytical reports, briefing notes, and policy papers for senior leadership is also required. Experience coordinating inputs from multiple stakeholders and producing integrated analytical outputs is necessary. Experience with UN reports or submissions to intergovernmental bodies, handling sensitive political issues, and working in conflict/post-conflict settings is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning & Organizing, Teamwork, Judgement/Decision-making, Political analysis, Report drafting, Coordination, Stakeholder liaison, Meeting organization, Crisis management.

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