Political Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Light Coordination Mechanism (LCM) of the Integrated Training Service (ITS), Department of Peace Operations (DPO) at the UN Secretariat. DPO directs UN peacekeeping operations globally, liaising with stakeholders and integrating efforts. ITS develops and disseminates peacekeeping policy, doctrine, and training, gathering lessons learned to enhance uniformed personnel performance, safety, and security.
Job Purpose
The Political Affairs Officer will support the Light Coordination Mechanism (LCM) by gathering and analyzing information on capacity-building for uniformed personnel in peacekeeping operations. This includes monitoring political developments, providing analysis and advice, and supporting the establishment of regional cooperation networks. The role involves maintaining relationships with UN system entities and external partners, including Member States, academia, and research institutes. The officer will provide technical and substantive support for the mandates of DPO, DPET, ITS, and LCM, and contribute to information sharing, knowledge management, and change management initiatives related to peacekeeping capacity-building.
Responsibilities
The Political Affairs Officer will gather, analyze, and disseminate information from various sources, staying updated on capacity-building trends for peacekeeping personnel, including knowledge management and institutional learning. Responsibilities include monitoring political developments, providing analysis and advice, and supporting the creation of regional cooperation networks for peacekeeping collaboration. The role involves fostering information sharing, knowledge management, and change management initiatives. Additionally, the officer will maintain relationships with UN entities and external partners, provide technical and substantive support for DPO, DPET, ITS, and LCM mandates, monitor relevant actions by intergovernmental groups and organizations, manage information in databases, participate in fact-finding missions, and provide secretariat services for various UN bodies and meetings.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Experience in knowledge management, research, and coordination with UN counterparts, Member States, academia, or research institutes is necessary. Experience engaging Member States on regional capacity-building initiatives and at least three years in UN Peacekeeping Missions or similar international settings are also required. Experience with change management is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Communication, Client Orientation, Creativity, Technological Awareness. Ability to analyze political, ethnic, social, and economic problems; effective communication and listening skills; client-focused approach; innovative problem-solving; and awareness and application of technology.