Political Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
This Political Affairs Officer position is based in Aden within the Political Affairs Section of the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESG-Yemen). The role reports to Senior and Principal Political Affairs Officers located in Amman, contributing to the mission's operational activities and political engagement in Yemen.
Job Purpose
The Political Affairs Officer in Aden leads and organizes operational activities for the local office, integrating a rights-based, conflict-sensitive, and gender-aware approach into policy and planning. The role involves preparing briefings, providing advice to mission leadership on negotiations and political issues, and managing responses to parties involved. A key function is developing and maintaining relationships with Yemeni government officials and political parties, advising them on mutual concerns. The officer also leads a team focused on political issues in government-controlled areas, represents OSESGY at UN Country Team meetings, and supports substantive planning and budget formulation for the unit.
Responsibilities
Lead and organize operational activities for the Aden office, ensuring an integrated approach that incorporates rights-based dimensions, conflict prevention sensitivity, and gender perspectives into policy and planning. Prepare and review briefing notes and talking points for mission leadership, providing guidance and advice on assigned political issues, negotiation status, and procedural matters. Manage responses to parties' comments and queries, and oversee operations for visits by the Special Envoy and delegations. Cultivate and maintain relationships with government officials and political parties, advising on mutual concerns. Lead a team addressing political issues in government-controlled areas, participating in project scope identification, methodology development, and operational planning. Support the planning and coordination of interagency programs and projects, representing OSESGY at UN Country Team and other Aden-based meetings, and providing political updates. Assist in formulating the unit's work program, budget, and medium-term plan through active participation in meetings and research. Manage the Aden-based political team and perform other related duties as required.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, law, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Two years of professional experience in Yemen within an international context and two years of staff management experience, preferably within the UN system, are also required. Two years of project management experience is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Political Analysis, UN System Knowledge, Communication (Written & Verbal), Teamwork, Performance Management, Conflict Resolution, International Relations, Project Management, Gender Mainstreaming.