Deadline: 2 September 2015
The Department of Field Support (DFS) is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Political Affairs Officer, based in Erbil, Iraq.
DFS provides support in the areas of finance, logistics, Information, communication and technology (ICT), human resources and general administration to help missions promote peace and security.
Key Job Responsibilities
The Political Affairs Officer will perform the following functions-
- Identify, analyze and monitor key political developments, trends and emerging issues in Iraq, especially as they relate to constitutional issues;
- Assess implications and make recommendations to senior management on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives including among others on using UNAMI’s good offices;
- Prepare summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, situation reports, briefing notes, options papers, code cables and input for the reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council, General Assembly or other bodies;
- Prepare and review contextual information materials, such as background notes, political profiles and databases of relevance to the assigned portfolio;
- Manage information to ensure its accessibility and utility;
- Brief the Principal Political Affairs Officer and other unit staff on Iraq-focused developments;
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with mission components, UN Common System colleagues and counterparts, Government representatives, political leaders, civil society actors, military and law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners on information-sharing, policy and coordination matters;
- Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives;
- Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation. Support preparations for official meetings, events and visits, including through the provision of Secretariat services and by drafting talking points and speeches for senior UN officials; Participate in fact-finding –and other- missions;
- Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and assist with follow-up activities, as appropriate. Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the unit’s programme of work;
- Support planning and budgetary processes for the unit. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; assist with the selection of new staff. Perform other relevant duties as required.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social sciences, law, public administration, or a related field;
- A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and two additional years experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, development, disarmament or related area is required;
- Experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required;
- Previous experience working in a UN Special Political Mission, Peacekeeping Operation, or other UN field operation in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable;
- Experience working on/in Iraq and/or the region is highly desirable;
- Experience in supporting constitutional and/or legislative processes is highly desirable;
- Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through online process.
For more information, please visit DFS.
