Political Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) at the UN Secretariat. The DPPA focuses on preventing and resolving conflict through inclusive political solutions, with five key action areas: analysis, early warning, peacemaking, crisis management, and sustaining peace. The role reports to the Chief of Office, OUSG/DPPA, contributing to the Department's overall policy direction and management.
Job Purpose
The Political Affairs Officer will support the Under-Secretary-General (USG) in managing thematic and policy areas related to international peace and security. This involves monitoring political trends, assessing their impact, and recommending UN actions. The role requires analyzing political events, advising the USG, and reviewing sensitive reports for UN bodies like the Security Council. The officer will act as a focal point for assigned areas, provide up-to-date information and recommendations, and support budget proposal processes. Additionally, the position involves coordinating with internal divisions, other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments, as well as representing the Department in conferences and academic forums, ensuring the effective prevention and resolution of conflict through inclusive political solutions.
Responsibilities
The Political Affairs Officer will monitor assigned thematic and policy areas, assessing political trends and their impact, and recommending UN actions. Responsibilities include analyzing political events to advise the USG, reviewing analytical reports and high-profile documents for senior officials, and supporting Secretariat services for the Security Council and related bodies. The role involves acting as a focal point for assigned areas, providing substantive political updates and recommendations to the USG, and assisting in budget proposal preparation and coordination. Furthermore, the officer will liaise with DPPA divisions, other UN entities, international organizations, and governments on policy matters, brief representatives, and participate in relevant conferences and academic forums. Other duties as required are also part of the role.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, law, security, conflict resolution, or a related field is required. Essential experience includes monitoring political issues, making recommendations for conflict prevention and resolution, and drafting/editing official documents. Experience with policy/thematic issues relevant to DPPA mandates is also required. Desirable experience includes inter-departmental coordination, budget preparation, and supporting senior officials in a front office.
Skills
Professionalism, Communication, Planning and Organizing.