UN Careers: SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Published by pavlo

Deadline: 8 October 2021

Open to: individuals with a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area

DESCRIPTION

Org. Setting and Reporting

  • This post is located in the Haiti Team/Americas Division (AD) of the Department of Political and Peace Building Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The Americas Division leads efforts for the prevention of conflict, mediation, elections and sustaining peace in the region. The Haiti Team provides backstopping support to the UN special political mission in Haiti (BINUH). The Senior Political Affairs officer (P5) performs the functions of the Haiti Team Leader and reports to the Director of the Americas Division through the Deputy Director.

Responsibilities

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

  • Leads and directs the work of the Haiti team; provides substantive guidance to the members of the team on a daily basis, particularly carrying out research and analysis on peace and security issues related to Haiti and the implementation of the Security Council mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office for Haiti (BINUH).
  • Formulates political affairs strategies; 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; identifies emerging issues pertaining to the mandates of the unit; analyses implications and makes recommendations on possible strategies and measures.
  • Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the Haiti Team in backstopping implementation of BINUH’s mandate including conflict prevention and resolution, post-conflict rehabilitation, election administration, political and governance institution-building, civil society support work, etc.; incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit.
  • Plans, coordinates and manages programmes, projects and activities requiring interdepartmental and/or interagency involvement and participation.
  • Drafts policy proposals related to Haiti and BINUH and prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Secretary-General, Senior Advisers, Under-Secretary-General/Assistant Secretary-General.
  • Designs peacebuilding and electoral initiatives; advises on and participates in the negotiation to establish operations and develops guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and timeframes for new operations.
  • Leads and directs a work team; 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.
  • Acts as coordinator for complex operations and support missions.
  • Manages, coordinates, organizes and supervises research on a variety of political issues in Haiti.
  • Represents division/office/mission at round tables, seminars and conferences.
  • Formulates the programme of work, budget and medium-term plan of the unit and participates in the overall approval of the programme of work, and administrative matters concerning the Haiti Team; coordinates and oversees work of colleagues and unit.
  • Develops and maintains relations with senior government officials and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

ELIGIBILITY

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.
  • 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.
  • Planning & 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.
  • 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; challenges 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 in combination with 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 science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.
  • Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation –or similar international or non-governmental organization is desirable.
  • Experience working to support political processes in a transition setting is desirable.
  • Experience in political analysis related to Haiti is desirable.
  • Experience in supporting/backstopping United Nations or other international field missions is desirable.
  • Experience in gender-sensitive political and conflict analysis is desirable.

Languages

  • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in both English and French (oral and written) is required; Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

  • Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

  • Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter.
  • 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.
  • At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
  • The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 

HOW TO APPLY?

For more details, please visit the official website.