Job Description

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Policy and Best Practices Service in the Policy, Evaluation and Training Division in the Department of Peace Operations. The Associate Political Affairs Officer reports to the team leader of the Policy Planning Team (PPT). DPO provides political and executive direction to UN Peacekeeping operations and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates. The Department works to integrate the efforts of UN, governmental and non-governmental entities in the context of peacekeeping operations. The Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) is part of the Policy Evaluation and Training Division (DPET) of the Department of Peace Operations. It provides support to both DPO and DOS. The core function of PBPS is to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations through the exchange of good practices between missions, the development of guidance material that reflects lessons learned, and thematic policy support in selected areas. PBPS also leads several reform processes. ResponsibilitiesUnder the leadership of the Chief of the Policy and Best Practices Service, and the supervision of the PPT Team Leader, the Associate Political Affairs Officer performs the following duties: • Provides support to the DPO secretariat function of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C34) and the work of the C34 membership, its Bureau and Working Group through the provision of updates on the work of the Secretariat, including a programme of informal briefings and an annual report of the Secretary-General including addendum and online repository of recommendations, and coordination of the Secretariat experts for the substantive session of the C34. • Organizes and supports the annual field trip of the C34 to peacekeeping missions. • 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 a specified area or subject matter. • Liaise with UN Secretariat, UN system and Member States on policy issues pertaining to peacekeeping. • Prepares various written outputs, including draft background papers, analytical notes, correspondence and inputs to reports, studies or other publications. • Monitors political, socio-economic, humanitarian and other politically relevant developments and provides substantive support for policy development and coordination functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies. • Supports programme management tasks related to the file under the team’s purview, including reporting on performance and preparation of results-based budgets. • Manages the online repository of recommendations of the C-34. Furthermore, participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that contribute to conflict in a country or geographic area. Demonstrates understanding of current issues in UN peacekeeping. Ability to analyse Member State positions and dynamics in relation to UN peacekeeping. 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. 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. EducationA first-level university degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related area is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in providing secretariat support to an intergovernmental body/committee and in working with Member States delegates is desirable. Experience in programme management is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).

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