Director, Political Affairs
Organizational Context
This position is within the Political Affairs Division of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Kinshasa. Kinshasa is a "C" hardship and family duty station. The Director of Political Affairs reports to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and leads the Mission's political outreach, analysis, and reporting activities.
Job Purpose
The Director of Political Affairs is responsible for developing the overall political strategic vision and policies in coordination with senior leadership, supporting peace processes, reconciliation, and stabilization efforts. This role involves providing timely updates, analysis, and recommendations to the SRSG and senior management on key political developments impacting mandate implementation. The Director will guide strategic engagement with national government, bilateral partners, and civil society, acting as an interlocutor for the international community. Key functions include leading reconciliation and transition planning, managing reporting to UN bodies, and ensuring effective information management. The role also involves developing collaborative relationships, formulating work plans for the Political Affairs Division, managing administrative tasks, and supervising staff to achieve mandated objectives and provide authoritative advice on complex political issues.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement the overall political strategic vision and policies in coordination with Mission leadership, supporting peace processes, reconciliation, and stabilization. Provide timely updates, analysis, and recommendations to the SRSG and senior management on political developments affecting mandate implementation. Guide strategic engagement with national government, bilateral partners, and civil society, serving as an interlocutor for the international community. Lead reconciliation and transition planning efforts, including capacity building for national authorities. Oversee the preparation and review of high-quality reports, including those for the Secretary-General to the Security Council, and ensure effective information management systems. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with national and international partners, consulting to develop strategies for addressing political challenges. Manage the Political Affairs Division's work program, including budget preparation, performance monitoring, and staff supervision, mentoring, and evaluation. Provide strategic guidance to division managers and contribute to staff selection.
Work Experience
Requires at least 15 years of progressive experience in political affairs, diplomacy, or conflict resolution, including at least 5 years of management experience. Extensive experience in political outreach, analysis, reporting, and negotiation in an international setting is essential. Experience managing a large, multi-functional team in a UN field operation or comparable international organization in a conflict/post-conflict setting is also required. Experience in the Great Lakes Region and knowledge of DRC conflict issues are desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, strong analytical and evaluative skills, good judgment, excellent drafting and presentation skills, communication (written and verbal), planning and organizing, leadership, and decision-making.