Political Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Brussels Liaison Office of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG). The office's mandate derives from UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions concerning children and armed conflict. The incumbent reports to the SRSG-CAAC through the Special Assistant.
Job Purpose
The Political Affairs Officer will establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in Brussels and Geneva, including Member States, EU institutions, NGOs, and other international organizations, to integrate concerns for children in armed conflict into their work. The role involves monitoring and analyzing the implementation of recommendations from intergovernmental bodies, disseminating information on the situation of children in conflict, and preparing analytical reports and policy papers for UN bodies. The officer will act as a focal point for political issues related to CAAC in the region, provide updates and recommendations to UNHQ, and participate in conferences and outreach activities. Additionally, the role includes administrative functions for the Brussels office and developing strategic partnerships with donors.
Responsibilities
Establish and maintain working relationships with Member States, UN offices, EU institutions, NGOs, NATO, Council of Europe, and OSCE to mainstream Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) concerns. Monitor and review the implementation of CAAC recommendations from intergovernmental bodies and update the OSRSG-CAAC. Analyze and strategically disseminate information on the situation of children in armed conflict to entities in Brussels, Geneva, Vienna, and Strasbourg. Prepare analytical reports and papers on CAAC issues for the General Assembly and Security Council, and draft correspondence for senior officials. Provide Secretariat services for the Security Council and other bodies. Act as a focal point for collecting and analyzing political information on CAAC in Brussels, Geneva, Vienna, and Strasbourg. Inform the OSRSG-CAAC in New York about substantive political matters and regional issues, making recommendations. Maintain contacts with UN sectors, international organizations, and governments on coordination and policy matters. Participate in conferences and academic forums related to CAAC. Manage administrative functions for the Brussels liaison office, including staff planning and budget. Draft plans for office growth and participate in implementation. Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with donors, including fundraising and outreach.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, diplomacy, law, security, or conflict resolution is required. Experience working with the EU, UN General Assembly, Security Council, and Human Rights Council on child protection in conflict settings is needed. Experience with the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, office/team management (including HR and budgets), and developing training on CAAC is also required. Experience drafting reports and speeches for high-level officials is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, strong written and oral communication skills, ability to engage constructively with diverse actors, knowledge of human rights monitoring and child protection issues, familiarity with EU and UN institutional workings, knowledge of peacekeeping and conflict contexts.