Posting Title: Political Affairs Officer, P4
Job Code Title: POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER
Department/ Office: Department of Political Affairs
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Posting Period: 12 September 2014-11 November 2014
Job Opening number: 14-POL-DPA-37137-R-NEW YORK (X)
Special Notice
This position is funded for a finite period of one year. 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.
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Guidance and Learning Unit (GLU), within the Policy and Mediation Division (PMD) of the Department of Political Affairs (DPA). The incumbent will report to the Team Leader of GLU, the Chief of Policy, Regional Organizations and Guidance, and the Director of PMD. GLU is responsible for institutional learning in DPA, as well as for support to Special Political Missions.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political situation; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations.
• Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work.
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
• Supervises the knowledge management work of DPA, and manages the implementation of the Department’s learning and evaluation activities.
• Supports Special Political Missions, undertakes integrated planning, and facilitates strategic and technical assessment missions in countries under the purview of DPA.
• Meets regularly with operational teams including UN staff, national officials as well as Military and Civilian Police officers to plan projects and review project activities.
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters, and represents DPA in interagency fora, including the Integrated Assessment and Planning (IAP) Working Group and the Integrated Steering Group (ISG).
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
• Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
• Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Shows ability to identify and analyze policy issues, formulate advice and coordinate development of policy options and guidance; knowledge in institutional learning, planning, monitoring and evaluation; proven track record in undertaking research and conducting learning exercises, drafting analytical papers and documents on cross-cutting issues; shows ability to act as a UN system departmental focal point on policy matters of relevance to DPA; shows ability to develop partnerships and work collaboratively with other parts of the UN system and external partners. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
PLANNING AND 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.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area. Experience in knowledge management, lessons learning, and policy analysis and development is required. Experience in mission planning and interagency coordination is desirable. Experience in networking with academic, research organizations and think tanks in the area of international peace and security is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
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.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Job Code Title: POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER
Department/ Office: Department of Political Affairs
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Posting Period: 12 September 2014-11 November 2014
Job Opening number: 14-POL-DPA-37137-R-NEW YORK (X)
Special Notice
This position is funded for a finite period of one year. 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.
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Guidance and Learning Unit (GLU), within the Policy and Mediation Division (PMD) of the Department of Political Affairs (DPA). The incumbent will report to the Team Leader of GLU, the Chief of Policy, Regional Organizations and Guidance, and the Director of PMD. GLU is responsible for institutional learning in DPA, as well as for support to Special Political Missions.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political situation; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations.
• Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work.
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
• Supervises the knowledge management work of DPA, and manages the implementation of the Department’s learning and evaluation activities.
• Supports Special Political Missions, undertakes integrated planning, and facilitates strategic and technical assessment missions in countries under the purview of DPA.
• Meets regularly with operational teams including UN staff, national officials as well as Military and Civilian Police officers to plan projects and review project activities.
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters, and represents DPA in interagency fora, including the Integrated Assessment and Planning (IAP) Working Group and the Integrated Steering Group (ISG).
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
• Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
• Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Shows ability to identify and analyze policy issues, formulate advice and coordinate development of policy options and guidance; knowledge in institutional learning, planning, monitoring and evaluation; proven track record in undertaking research and conducting learning exercises, drafting analytical papers and documents on cross-cutting issues; shows ability to act as a UN system departmental focal point on policy matters of relevance to DPA; shows ability to develop partnerships and work collaboratively with other parts of the UN system and external partners. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
PLANNING AND 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.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area. Experience in knowledge management, lessons learning, and policy analysis and development is required. Experience in mission planning and interagency coordination is desirable. Experience in networking with academic, research organizations and think tanks in the area of international peace and security is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
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.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
