Deadline: 29 August 2015
The Department of Political Affairs (DPA) is currently accepting applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Political Affairs Officer based in New York, U.S.A.
DPA monitors and assesses global political developments with an eye to detecting potential crises before they escalate, and devising effective responses. The Department provides close support to the Secretary-General and his envoys, as well as to UN political missions deployed to areas of tension around the world with mandates to help defuse crises or promote lasting solutions to conflict.
Key Job Responsibilities
The Political Affairs Officer will perform the following functions-
- Reviews monitors and analyses political and strategic developments and emerging peace and security issues, in particular in relation to conflict prevention, preventive diplomacy, peacemaking and peace building; assesses the political impact of intra-regional issues such as refugees, drug control and natural resources; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations.
- Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts reports of the Secretary-General as well as notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
- Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work.
- Acts as focal point on key thematic issues and assists in the formulation of advice and strategy, particularly in relation to new and emerging threats and challenges to peace and security.
- Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
- Maintains contacts and deepens partnerships with other sectors of the UN, as well as with other international organizations, Member States, civil society organizations, think tanks and academic institutions on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations.
- Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
- Carries out, in consultation with the Team Leader and Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, international law or 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.
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, international law, conflict resolution or related area.
- Experience in policy planning, including policy analysis and development, is required. Experience in drafting policy documents, analytical notes and reports is required.
- Experience in networking with academic institutions, research organizations and think tanks in the area of international peace and security is desirable.
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
- Extensive knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues. Ability to conduct independent research, including into key thematic issues and emerging trends.
- In-depth knowledge of the UN System and in particular its work in the area of peace and security.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through online process.
For more information, please visit DPA.
