Job Title: Political Affairs Officer / Information Manager, P3
Department/ Office: DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Posting Period: 28 July 2011-26 September 2011
Job Opening number: 11-POL-DEPT OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS-19955-R-NEW YORK
This position is located in the Office of the Special Adviser of the Secretary General on the Prevention of Genocide. The incumbent will report to the Senior Political Affairs Officer and the Special Advisers on the Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Collect information, particularly from within the United Nations system, on massive and serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that, if not prevented or halted, might lead to genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing or crimes against humanity;
• Carry out daily monitoring of developments relevant to the mandate worldwide; identify situations of concern and provide initial risk assessment; compile a weekly summary report of significant developments; draft monthly risk assessment reports;
• Maintain and expand the existing network for information gathering and create mechanisms for information-sharing and technical cooperation with internal and external partners, including with United Nations departments, agencies, funds and programs at headquarters and in the field, regional and sub-regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, academia and think tanks; act as focal point for knowledge management in relation to early warning;
• Manage and update the Office interactive geo-database; act as the Office’s focal point for all Geographic Information System related activities. Use the data to generate quantitative and qualitative assessments of situations of concern for internal use;
• Assist with the development and delivery of capacity-building activities;
• Contribute to the preparation of reports and briefing notes;
• Provide advice on recordkeeping practices and on the organization and maintenance of the Office’s archives and information;
• Contribute to the maintenance of the Office’s website;
• Perform other duties as required.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
• Professionalism: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights, political affairs and legal issues; inter-disciplinary approach to addressing sensitive and complex situations; strong analytical skills; ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the political, human rights, security and protection situation in a country or region. First hand knowledge of the work and operations of the United Nations in the field of political affairs, human rights, peace and security and related matters. Very good drafting and analytical skills.
Teamwork:
-Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
-Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
-Places team agenda before personal agenda
-Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
-Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
Client Orientation:
-Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view
-Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect
-Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions
-Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems
-Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects
-Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, public administration or other related field. 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 five years of progressively responsible experience on collecting, managing and analyzing information, particularly regarding serious and massive violations of human rights and humanitarian law, as well as security incidents. Experience of undertaking quantitative and qualitative research and analysis required. Experience of working with the United Nations, inter-governmental organizations or in other multilateral environments highly desirable. Field experience desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Written substantive test and competency-based interview may be administered.
Special Notice
Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
- 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.
- An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.
- This vacancy is subject to availability of post.
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.
Moreinfo: Click here
