Principal Political Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Office of the Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA/OUSG) at the UN Secretariat. DPPA focuses on preventing and resolving conflict through inclusive political solutions, encompassing analysis, early warning, peacemaking, crisis management, sustaining peace, and partnerships. The role reports directly to the Under-Secretary-General.
Job Purpose
The Principal Political Affairs Officer serves as the senior advisor to the Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, addressing complex political and managerial issues. This role is crucial in monitoring mandate implementation, providing strategic and substantive advice, and acting as a key liaison between DPPA, other UN departments, agencies, and external partners. The officer supports the USG in strengthening DPPA's capacity as the UN's political arm, advancing the Secretary-General's reform agenda, prioritizing prevention and sustaining peace, and ensuring integrated political, strategic, and operational responsibilities. Managerially, the role assists the USG in achieving human resources, financial management, and communication targets, overseeing office operations and information sharing across the peace and security pillar.
Responsibilities
Serve as the senior advisor to the Under-Secretary-General (USG) on political and managerial matters, monitoring mandate implementation and providing substantive and managerial guidance. Maintain liaison between DPPA and other Secretariat departments, specialized agencies, Special Political Missions, and the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. Coordinate with relevant divisions, offices, and teams reporting to the USG, as well as other entities within the peace and security pillar and the broader UN system. Advance the implementation of reform and change management initiatives. Assist the USG in fulfilling responsibilities as Head of Department and UN focal point for mediation, prevention, electoral assistance, peacebuilding, and sustaining peace by supporting strategic planning and partnerships. Provide advice on managerial and substantive issues, including DPPA's input into senior appointments. Represent the Office and Department in inter-departmental meetings and working groups.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in diplomacy, policy-making, management, or executive direction at senior levels is required. Experience in managing and supervising teams, and in programmatic/strategic planning or guidance is also mandatory. Experience monitoring political activities and making recommendations for conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution, as well as supporting senior officials in front-office settings, are desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Accountability, Leadership, Judgement & Decision Making, Diplomacy, Policy Making, Management, Strategic Planning, Conflict Prevention, Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Communication, Interpersonal Skills, UN System Knowledge.