Principal Political Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
This role is within the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, based in Nairobi. Nairobi is a family duty station. The incumbent reports directly to the Special Envoy. The Principal Political Affairs Officer is tasked with providing overall direction and coordination for the office's political analysis, strategy, outreach, and reporting activities.
Job Purpose
The Principal Political Affairs Officer is responsible for leading the Political Affairs Unit, coordinating and assessing the implementation of the Peace and Security Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region. This involves supporting the Special Envoy's engagements on national and international commitments related to the Framework and relevant Security Council Resolutions. The role requires identifying and analyzing political developments, devising work plans, and advising on strategies to address conflict root causes. It also involves fostering outreach and partnerships with regional actors, national authorities, and international organizations to advance the mandate, and ensuring high-quality reporting on political issues and the implementation of UN strategies and frameworks.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include: Political Analysis and Advice: Identifying, analyzing, and monitoring political developments; coordinating the Political Affairs Unit; overseeing strategic planning documents; assessing implications and recommending strategies to the Special Envoy; devising work plans; supporting good offices, confidence-building, and mediation initiatives; and advising on conflict resolution strategies. Outreach and Partnership: Engaging regional actors and partners to support the mandate; developing collaborative relationships with national authorities, leaders, civil society, and UN Country Teams; monitoring and reporting on the UN Strategy for the Great Lakes Region; and liaising with regional organizations on the PSC Framework. Reporting: Ensuring timely and high-quality reporting on political developments, including reports to the Security Council; leading the preparation of analytical reports, briefing notes, and statements; and overseeing contextual information materials. Internal Guidance and Coordination: Providing guidance for the office's political work and liaising with other UN bodies to ensure complementary activities. Management: Formulating and managing the Political Affairs Unit's work program; supervising, mentoring, and evaluating staff; and representing the Special Envoy's office at meetings.
Work Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in political science, international relations, diplomacy, or conflict resolution is required. Essential experience includes political outreach, analysis, reporting, and negotiation in an international setting, senior-level representation, and managing multidisciplinary teams. Experience in UN field operations or similar international organizations in conflict/post-conflict settings is also required. Experience in the Great Lakes region is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Communication, Teamwork, Managing Performance, Judgement/Decision-making, Political analysis, Strategy development, Outreach and partnership building, Reporting, Negotiation, Conflict resolution, Team leadership, Staff supervision and mentoring.