Job Description

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs/ Policy and Mediation Division/ Guidance and Learning Unit, which is responsible for the development and maintenance of a Departmental strategy and system for knowledge management, guidance, lessons learning and training. The team is also responsible for a number of planning and policy issues related to Special Political Missions, including integration, transitions, and mission planning. This position works closely with other teams in the Policy and Mediation Division. This position reports to the Chief of Policy and Guidance in the Policy and Mediation Division, through the Team Leader of the Guidance and Learning Unit. ResponsibilitiesUnder the general supervision of the Team Leader, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Facilitates and prepares guidance material for the Department in priority gap areas and in this context, gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources. • Facilitates and conducts knowledge management and lessons learning exercises for the Department, including in field missions. • 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. • Participates in assessment, planning and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility. • 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 guidance, lessons learning and training material. • Performs other related duties as required. Competencies• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the functioning of the UN system in the area of peace and security. Research, analytical and drafting skills, including the ability to analyze complex political and peacebuilding processes. Track record in knowledge management and learning related to peace and security. 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: Ability to draft clearly, quickly and concisely. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related fields. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in political analysis is required. Experience in the area of guidance development, knowledge management and lessons learning in the area of peace and security is required Experience supporting Special Political Missions in issues related to mission planning is required. Experience working with United Nations special political missions and peacekeeping operations is required Experience mainstreaming gender, peace and security into training, guidance development and knowledge management activities is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. 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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