Job Description

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in shared structure of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO), at UN Headquarters in New York. The Senior Political Affairs Officer/Special Assistant reports directly to the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Political Affairs Officer/Special Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Formulates and develops a vision or direction for work; proposes policy directives and plan of action for immediate and long range solutions to political problems in general and in specific geographical areas as required; identifies emerging issues pertaining to the mandates of the office; analyses implications and makes recommendations on possible strategies and measures.
• Plans and implements the activities related to the work of the front office, i.e. early warning, conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, etc. incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy as appropriate. Assists the ASG in the discharge of his responsibilities by providing policy advice and analytical support on all matters inherent to the ASG's portfolio; monitors the activities within the ASG's area of responsibility, liaises, coordinates and follows up with the Directors, Deputy Directors and Political Affairs Officers on the planning and implementation of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and conflict resolution strategies as they relate to peace and security in the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific (MEAP) region. Liaises with MEAP Divisions to ensure the Assistant Secretary-General’s guidance is implemented.
• Plans and coordinates with the Divisions to ensure qualitative and timely substantive support is provided to the ASG/USG, EOSG and other senior UN officials as appropriate; coordinates the preparation of regular meetings between the ASG and Directors and follows up on the outcome of these meetings; coordinates and assists in the preparation and delivery of priorities relevant to the ASG’s area of responsibility in coordination/consultation with the Divisions under his supervision; coordinates with counterparts in the Secretariat and other UN entities on areas of responsibility and of interest to the UN.
• Manages as appropriate or required, programmes, projects and activities requiring interdepartmental and/or interagency involvement and participation with other Departments.
• Tasks and reviews briefing notes and talking points for the Assistant Secretary-General.
• Coordinates with and provides support to the Front Offices of the Under-Secretaries-General (as appropriate) and other Offices of ASGs within the peace and security pillar, and the Executive Office of the shared regional structure.
• Leads and directs the work of the front office staff; supervises and provides guidance to staff assigned to the Office of the ASG and oversees their work; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs.
• Represents the office at round tables, seminars and conferences as required. Advises senior management on issues and policies. Supports the ASG’s engagement with UN Principals, through participation at senior level meetings to improve policies, guidance and systems on management issues.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the work of intergovernmental bodies, the work of the United Nations and its related bodies concerned with political, economic, social and related matters. Ability to evaluate international political situations in area of assignment. Ability to manage and coordinate many different levels and participants in operations in both the field and UN common system. 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.
• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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.
• 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 improvements; 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; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
• JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political analysis, international relations, or conflict resolution in a multilateral context is required. At least five years of experience in providing strategic support to senior leaders is required. Experience in administration, and in supervising and managing staff is required. At least five years of experience working within a front office of a senior official is required. At least one year of experience with political issues in the Asia and the Middle East region is required. Experience within the UN system or comparable international organization with emphasis on substantive preparation of budget and planning is desirable. At least two years of experience in the field at the international level is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Arabic or Chinese (Mandarin) or Russian or Spanish is desirable

Application instructions

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