Director, Political Affairs

The Director, Political Affairs provides general direction and coordination of the Mission's political outreach, analysis, and reporting activities. Reporting to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the role involves strategic vision, political analysis, advice, and leadership in support of political and peace processes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Responsibilities

• Develop the overall political strategic vision and policies in coordination with the Mission's senior leadership, supporting political and peace processes and reconciliation efforts.
• Advocate and represent the Mission's views authoritatively and ensure coordinated support to political processes.
• Ensure timely updates to the SRSG and senior leadership on key political developments and provide recommendations.
• Integrate political information and analysis into the work of all Mission divisions and support mandate implementation.
• Guide strategic engagement with national government, bilateral partners, civil society, and international actors.
• Lead political affairs efforts towards reconciliation, transition planning, and capacity building of national authorities.
• Review inputs and reports of the Political Affairs Division to ensure synergy and complementarity.
• Manage preparation of summary and analytical reports, briefing materials, and reports to the Security Council and other bodies.
• Establish effective information management systems.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with authorities, political and community leaders, civil society, UN family, and partners.
• Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans to address political challenges.
• Formulate and manage the programme of work of the Political Affairs Division, including budgeting and performance monitoring.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; participate in staff selection.
• Provide strategic guidance to managers and participate in their evaluation.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Law or a related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related field is required.
• At least five (5) years of management experience is required.
• Extensive experience in political outreach, analysis, reporting and negotiation in an international setting is required.
• Experience managing a large multi-functional team or office in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds and programmes) or a comparable international organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required.
• Extensive experience working in the Great Lakes Region and proven knowledge of conflict-related issues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is desirable.
• English and French are required at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Skills

• Political Affairs
• Diplomacy
• Conflict Resolution
• Political Outreach
• Political Analysis
• Political Reporting
• Negotiation
• Team Management
• Office Management
• UN Field Operations
• Peacekeeping Operations
• Political Missions
• International Organization Experience
• Conflict Analysis
• Strategic Visioning
• Political Advice
• Leadership
• Knowledge of Great Lakes Region
• Knowledge of Democratic Republic of Congo

Languages

English, French