SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Europe and Central Asia Division (ECAD) of the UN Secretariat's Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The incumbent leads and manages the DPPA Liaison Office in Kyiv, reporting to the Director of ECAD. This role is integral to DPPA's engagement in Eastern Europe, contributing to peace and security efforts.

Job Purpose

The Senior Political Affairs Officer leads and manages the DPPA Liaison Office in Kyiv, providing critical analytical updates on political developments in Ukraine with implications for peace and security. The role involves developing and maintaining communication channels with key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and international partners. The incumbent will monitor political and security situations, prepare analytical reports and briefing notes for senior UN leadership, and support the implementation of DPPA's mandate priorities. This includes contributing to peace-building initiatives, Women, Peace and Security agendas, and providing political advice to the UN Country Team. The role also involves coordinating UN activities, supporting high-level missions, and managing the liaison office's programmatic and substantive work.

Responsibilities

Provide regular analytical updates on political developments in Ukraine, including regional implications, and recommend early warning actions and strategic advice for UN support. Maintain communication and engagement with senior government officials, political parties, civil society, the diplomatic community, and international partners. Monitor daily political and security developments, providing regular reporting and analysis. Prepare briefing notes and analytical inputs for senior UN leadership. Identify, design, and support the implementation of policies and initiatives aligned with DPPA mandate priorities, including Women, Peace and Security and peace-building. Participate in UN coordination mechanisms and provide political briefings. Offer political advice and support to the UN Country Team and Resident Coordinator's Office. Coordinate substantive and operational matters with UNCT agencies and the Peace and Development Advisor Unit. Undertake travel across Ukraine for consultations. Coordinate and support missions by DPPA and other senior UN officials. Provide managerial oversight for the liaison office team, including work planning, administrative matters, and staff recruitment. Manage and supervise research on political issues and engagement with local partners. Coordinate closely with security entities on all security-related matters. Represent DPPA in relevant conferences and meetings.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, conflict resolution, or a related field is required. Demonstrated experience in field liaison work with senior government and international partners in Eastern Europe is essential. Experience within the UN system supporting preventive diplomacy, mediation, and peacebuilding, with a proven track record in political analysis, is required. Experience working on or in Ukraine and managing multicultural teams in complex political contexts is also required.

Skills

Excellent political analysis and conflict prevention skills. Strong knowledge of UN peace and security practices. Proven experience in political liaison and representation with European countries and organizations. In-depth understanding of European and Eastern European political issues, including the situation in Ukraine. Ability to analyze international political situations and conflict dynamics. Knowledge of UN conflict prevention, mediation, and peace operations mechanisms. Diplomatic and representational skills. Ability to operate autonomously and manage complex operations. Strong planning, organizing, and client orientation skills. Vision and sound judgment/decision-making abilities.

Explore related opportunities