Job Description

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Protection of Civilians Team in the Policy and Best Practices Service of the Division for Policy, Evaluation and Training in the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Team Leader of the Protection of Civilians Team. DPO provides political and executive direction to UN Peacekeeping operations around the world 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, Evaluation and Training Division (DPET) is mandated to develop and disseminate the policy and doctrine guiding the work of United Nations peacekeeping. In addition, the division has the responsibility to evaluate, at the request of the heads of the departments, how those policies are being applied, gather lessons learned and best practices, and use that information to guide the development, coordination and delivery of standardized training, so as to complete the learning cycle. DPET is also responsible for developing and maintaining strategic cooperation with various UN and external partners. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Gathers, selects and 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 general, and in particular as they affect the implementation of Protection of Civilians mandates in peace operations. • Works closely with other protection actors, including member states and other stakeholders within headquarters and the field, to ensure a common understanding of POC and the application of the relevant tools to assist in POC implementation. • 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 missions on the development and revision of comprehensive Protection of Civilians strategies. • Provides technical and substantive back up in the development and roll-out of Protection of Civilians related guidance and training materials. • 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. • Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility. • Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG with officials from countries under the Organization's purview. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of the role and mandate of peacekeeping operations implementing the POC mandate. Demonstrated awareness of the key challenges facing the implementation of POC mandates by peacekeeping operations, including with respect to issues such as the coordination of POC implementation within missions. Ability to understand the differing concepts of POC, the various actors involved in POC and the elements involved in the implementation of POC-related work. Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying 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, including at least three years in protection of civilians, is required. Experience serving in peacekeeping operations with Protection of Civilian (POC) mandates is required. Experience backstopping field missions is required. Experience in policy and guidance development for POC is required. Experience engaging Member States and intergovernmental organs on POC issues is required. 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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