Job Title: Deputy Director of Political Affairs, Africa I Division, D1
Department/ Office: DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Posting Period: 21 July 2011-19 September 2011
Job Opening number: 11-POL-DEPT OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS-20028-R-NEW YORK
The post is in the Africa I Division of DPA, which carries out DPA's peacemaking and preventive diplomacy efforts in the Horn, Eastern and Southern Africa (www.un.org/wcm/content/site/undpa). The incumbent reports to the Director of the Division.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, under the direct supervision of the Director of the Division, the Deputy Director will serve as advisor to the Assistant Secretary-General on political and security developments in Eastern and Southern Africa and on measures for strengthening the capacity of the UN in the field of preventive diplomacy and peacemaking. The Deputy Director will assist the Director in the direction, supervision and management of the substantive work of the Division and assume direct responsibility for all administrative matters in the area of assignment. (S)he will represent the Department, as appropriate, in negotiations and other exchanges with representatives of Member States, regional organizations and other UN offices on measures for enhancing regional political stability, peace and security. The Deputy Director will assist the Director to ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion; co-ordinate the work carried out by different units under the Division and by other agencies and bodies of the United Nations system, as appropriate; provide substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others; co-ordinate and oversee the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Security Council and the General Assembly, the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, the Committee for Programme Coordination, and other policy-making organs, as appropriate; report to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports; ensure that the outputs produced by the Division maintain high-quality standards and that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data; ensure that all outputs produced by the units under his/her supervision meet the required standards before completion to ensure that they comply with the relevant mandates; assist the Director in preparing the work programme of the Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; undertake or oversee the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting; recruit staff taking due account of geographical balance; guide, train, develop and manage the performance of staff under his/her supervision; foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries; lead and supervise the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues; and represent the Division at international, regional or national meetings.
Competencies
Professionalism:
- Expert knowledge in the technical field of work in general and in the specific areas being supervised in particular;
- Proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues;
- Ability to review and edit the work of others;
- Demonstrates professional competency and mastery of subject matter and shows an in-depth understanding of, and ability to, evaluate international political situations;
- Excellent knowledge of the political landscape of Africa;
- Proven ability to make timely decisions and provide strategic guidance and authoritative advice under stressful conditions.
Planning & Organizing:
-Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
-Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
-Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
-Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
-Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
-Uses time efficiently
Accountability:
-Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments
-Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards
-Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules
-Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments
-Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Leadership:
-Serves as a role model that other people want to follow
-Empowers others to translate vision into results
-Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives
-Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support
-Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions
-Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo
-Shows the courage to take unpopular stands
-Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work
Managing Performance:
-Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority
-Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member
-Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills
-Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines
-Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff
-Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative
-Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff
-Appraises performance fairly
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in political science, international affairs or a related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in national and international political and security affairs and diplomacy, political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area. Managerial experience is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
A written substantive assessment test and/or competency-based interview may be administered.
Special Notice
- Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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