Political Affairs Officer

The Political Affairs Officer will support the management of peacekeeping operations, specifically the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The role involves political analysis, monitoring regional developments, providing advice to UN missions and agencies, and supporting the implementation of mandates within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the daily management of peacekeeping operations, namely the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
• Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible.
• Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat.
• Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice to field mission/UN agencies active on the ground.
• Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters.
• Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations.
• Selects, classifies and stores in computerised databases information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving assigned countries or region.
• Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility.
• Participates in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions.
• Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG with officials from countries under the Organization's purview.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years of experience in political science, international relations, conflict resolution or related area is required.
• A minimum of one year experience in a peacekeeping operation in Africa in a civilian (non-uniformed) capacity is required.
• Experience working on peace and security issues related to Africa is required.
• Experience drafting political analysis and diplomatic correspondence is required.
• Experience in research and analysis on issues related to the Central African Republic is desirable.
• English and French are required at UN Level II (English) and UN Level III (French) for reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Skills

• Political Analysis
• Conflict Resolution
• Peacekeeping Operations
• Diplomatic Correspondence
• Research and Analysis
• Peace and Security
• Mandate Implementation
• Regional Monitoring
• Political Science
• International Relations
• International economics
• Public Administration
• Drafting Political Reports
• Experience in Africa
• Multidimensional Stabilization
• United Nations Peace Operations

Languages

English, French