ASSOCIATE POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

The Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (OSE-HoA), established in 2018, works with IGAD countries and regional organizations to promote peace and security. It focuses on enhancing sub-regional conflict prevention and mediation capacities. This Associate Political Affairs Officer role is situated within OSE-HoA, reporting directly to the Principal Political Affairs Officer.

Job Purpose

The Associate Political Affairs Officer supports the Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (OSE-HoA) in its mission to promote peace and security across the region. This involves gathering and analyzing political developments, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regional issues, and providing substantive input to senior officials. The role contributes to conflict prevention and mediation efforts by monitoring national and regional political trends, liaising with international organizations and governments, and supporting the IGAD-UN partnership. Additionally, the position involves data analysis for planning and reporting, and supporting the integration of gender perspectives and youth/peace/security mandates within the Office's work.

Responsibilities

The Associate Political Affairs Officer is responsible for gathering, selecting, and analyzing information on political developments in the Horn of Africa from various sources. This includes monitoring national and regional political trends, maintaining current knowledge of relevant issues, and providing advice to field missions and UN agencies. The role involves maintaining contact with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments for coordination. Responsibilities also include monitoring actions of intergovernmental groups and NGOs, providing technical support to the IGAD-UN partnership, and managing computerized databases for conflict-related information. The officer will participate in fact-finding missions, support gender mainstreaming and WPS/YPS integration, prepare meetings, and contribute to data analysis and reporting using visualization methods.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, or peace and security issues is required. Experience in political analysis and reporting, particularly concerning Africa or the Horn of Africa, is necessary. Proven ability to support regional strategy implementation, including monitoring and reporting, is also required. Experience with sub-regional organizations like IGAD and knowledge of UN budget/reporting systems are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism: Data analysis, interpretation, knowledge of intergovernmental bodies and UN work, political situation evaluation, coordination, post-conflict challenges understanding, commitment, and stress management. Communication: Clear and effective speaking and writing, active listening, appropriate tailoring of communication, and information sharing. Teamwork: Collaboration, valuing diverse input, prioritizing team goals, supporting group decisions, and sharing credit/responsibility.

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