Political Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
The Middle East Division (MED) is part of the UN Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). Established in 2019, this shared structure manages the UN's political and operational engagements on peace and security. The role is situated within the Middle East Team at Headquarters in New York, reporting to the Senior Political Affairs Officer.
Job Purpose
This role supports the UN's political and operational engagements in the Middle East region. The Political Affairs Officer will monitor regional activities and trends, assess their impact, and recommend UN actions. Key responsibilities include providing guidance to peacekeeping missions (UNDOF and UNTSO), analyzing political events for early warning, preparing reports for UN bodies, and advising senior officials. The position also involves coordinating with other UN sectors, briefing representatives, participating in relevant forums, and managing administrative functions related to staff planning and budgets, all contributing to the UN's prevention and sustaining peace efforts.
Responsibilities
The Political Affairs Officer will monitor and assess Middle East regional activities and trends, recommending UN actions. This includes providing substantive guidance and support to UNDOF and UNTSO, and monitoring mission activities for improvements. The role involves participating in assessment and planning missions, analyzing political events for early warning to senior officials, and preparing analytical reports and papers for the Security Council and other bodies. Drafting notes, background papers, talking points, and correspondence for senior officials is also a key duty. Additionally, the incumbent will maintain coordination with other UN sectors, brief representatives, participate in conferences, and manage administrative functions related to staff planning and budgets.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Specific experience in Middle East peace and security issues is essential. Experience supporting UN political or peacekeeping missions, or serving within one, is also required. Experience with UN budget preparation is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, analytical skills, ability to conduct in-depth studies, problem-solving, data analysis, teamwork, collaboration, planning and organizing, time management, and effective communication.