SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is based in Bogota within the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC). The incumbent reports directly to the SRSG and serves as the head of the SRSG's office, playing a key role in supporting the mission's mandate.

Job Purpose

The Senior Political Affairs Officer provides critical analysis and strategic advice to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on political developments and emerging issues related to the peace process in Colombia. This role involves maintaining key relationships with political and civil society actors, ensuring senior leadership is informed of relevant political dynamics impacting the UNVMC mandate. The officer is responsible for planning and implementing operational activities for the SRSG's office, integrating a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective. They manage research, prepare high-level communications, assess implications of political issues, and recommend strategies to advance the mission's objectives and UN principles. The role also involves extensive stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and program management to support the mission's success.

Responsibilities

The Senior Political Affairs Officer provides analysis and advice to the SRSG on political developments and emerging issues concerning the Colombian peace process, maintaining relationships with key political and civil society actors. Responsibilities include planning and implementing operational activities for the SRSG's office, integrating rights-based, conflict prevention, and gender perspectives. The role involves managing and supervising research, preparing briefing materials, and assessing implications of political issues to recommend strategies to the SRSG and mission leadership. The officer develops and maintains relations with senior government officials, local stakeholders, and civil society. Additionally, the position requires leading and directing a work team, including coaching, mentoring, and staff development, as well as planning and managing programs and interagency activities. The role also includes representing the mission at various forums and formulating the office's work plan and budget.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, law, conflict resolution, or related fields is required. Extensive experience in outreach, analysis, advice, and reporting is necessary. Experience supporting a high-level representative (e.g., SRSG) in political negotiations is required. Experience managing diverse teams in multicultural settings and working in UN field missions or post-conflict settings is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, Empowering Others, Vision, Political Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Research Management, Communication (written and verbal), Leadership, Program Management, Conflict Resolution, Gender Mainstreaming.

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