Special Assistant, Political Affairs
Organizational Context
This position is within the Office of the Mission Chief of Staff (MCOS) of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in Kinshasa. The Special Assistant provides advisory, administrative, and managerial support to the Mission Chief of Staff, assisting with meeting preparation, drafting documents, and liaising with various components on key issues.
Job Purpose
The Special Assistant provides crucial substantive and practical support to the Office of the Mission Chief of Staff (MCOS) in implementing MONUSCO's mandate. This role involves keeping the MCOS informed of critical matters, formulating options for handling issues, and ensuring follow-up actions are taken. The position is responsible for organizing MCOS meetings and events, drafting and reviewing various analytical reports and official correspondence, and monitoring political developments. The Special Assistant also assesses implications of these developments, recommends policy strategies, and fosters collaborative relationships with mission components. Data analysis and reporting using visualization methods are key to supporting data-driven planning and decision-making, ensuring effective mission operations and reporting to senior leadership and the Security Council.
Responsibilities
Provide substantive and practical support for mandate implementation, keeping the MCOS informed and ensuring follow-up on critical matters. Organize and manage MCOS meetings and mission events, including preparing summaries and conducting follow-up activities. Draft and review analytical reports, briefing notes, talking points, and official correspondence under minimal supervision. Monitor and analyze political developments and emerging issues, assessing implications and recommending policy strategies. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all mission components, focusing on coordination and policy matters. Collect and analyze data to identify trends, providing insights through reports and visualizations for data-driven planning and decision-making. Utilize integrated reporting and data analysis tools, collaborating with relevant mission components. Perform other requested duties as required.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in political affairs, diplomacy, or conflict resolution is required, including at least one year in the Front Office of a high-ranking official in a field operation. Extensive experience in political outreach, analysis, advice, and reporting is necessary. Experience in drafting/reviewing analytical reports and coordinating between UN agencies is also required.
Skills
Professionalism, Communication, Planning & Organizing, ability to deliver in a fast-moving environment, strong analytical and reporting skills, data analysis and visualization, collaboration, and effective liaison capabilities.