Political Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
This position is based in the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in Libreville, Gabon. The Political Affairs Officer will be part of the Reporting and Analysis Pillar within the Political Affairs Section. UNOCA's mandate covers eleven countries in Central Africa, and it collaborates closely with regional organizations like ECCAS to promote peace and security.
Job Purpose
The Political Affairs Officer is responsible for monitoring and analyzing peace and security developments across the Central Africa region. This involves gathering and assessing information from various sources to keep UNOCA leadership informed. The role requires conducting in-depth research on regional challenges, recommending UN actions, and advising Headquarters and field missions. Key outputs include preparing diverse reports, briefing notes, and background materials for senior officials. The officer also supports UNOCA's partnerships, particularly with ECCAS, and contributes to enhancing sub-regional actors' capacity in conflict prevention. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of political issues and coordinating with other international entities are crucial aspects of this position.
Responsibilities
The Political Affairs Officer will gather, analyze, and interpret information from diverse sources to inform UNOCA leadership about regional peace and security trends. This includes conducting in-depth research on emerging and persistent challenges in Central Africa and proposing UN actions. The role involves monitoring national and regional political developments, providing advice to Headquarters and field missions through various reports (e.g., situation reports, briefing notes, analytical notes, Secretary-General reports), and compiling background materials for senior officials. The officer will also support the coordination of the Political Affairs Section, assist in UNOCA's partnerships with ECCAS, provide secretariat services for UNSAC, and enhance sub-regional actors' prevention capacities. Maintaining comprehensive knowledge of political issues, coordinating with UN sectors, international organizations, and governments, and participating in fact-finding missions are also key duties.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in political science, international relations, law, security, or conflict resolution is required. Experience working on peace and security issues in Africa, including research and analysis, is essential. Experience in a front office, with regional organizations, and specifically in Central Africa is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, strong analytical skills, information management, excellent drafting and editing, research and analysis, communication (written and verbal), teamwork, planning and organizing, knowledge of political affairs, gender mainstreaming.