Job Description

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Asia and the Pacific Division (APD) under the Regional Structure of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Department of Peace Operations (DPO). APD keeps abreast of the latest trends and developments in the Asia-Pacific region and provides analysis and briefings on issues to senior officials in the UN Secretariat. It maintains contact with other sectors of the UN, international and regional organizations, governments and other stakeholders on coordination and policy matters. Under the overall supervision of the Director, the incumbent reports to the Team Leader for South and Southeast Asia.

Responsibilities

The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Gathers, selects, reports on and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events and assesses trends relating to political issues in assigned countries of responsibility in the South and Southeast Asia region, in non-mission settings, and provides briefings on issues and recommendations for action to senior officials.
• Maintains contact with UN field presences in the South and Southeast Asia region and maintains and advances partnerships with respective regional organizations on coordination and policy matters relevant to the region. Manages the administrative and organizational aspects related to the partnerships.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination, policy and organizational matters.
• Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations.
• Selects, classifies and stores in computerized databases information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving assigned countries in the region.
• Participates in missions to countries within the South and Southeast Asia region and provides recommendations for action.
• Prepares documentation for meetings of the SG/DSG/USG/ASG with officials from countries under the Organization's purview.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned, including of an administrative nature.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Shows ability to analyze and complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in non-mission settings countries in South and Southeast Asia. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. Shows ability to write concisely and clearly on complex issues for senior officials. 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.
• 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; share credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related area. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A 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 working on peace and security, or related issues, on Asia is required.
• Experience in organizing large multi-stakeholder meetings and/or events is desirable.
• Experience working on peace and security, or related issues, on South and/or Southeast Asia is desirable.
• Experience in writing documentation, country specific and regional analysis and recommendations for senior officials is required.
• Experience in administrative and budgetary processes of the UN or other international organization is required.
• Experience in backstopping UN field presences with respect to substantive political guidance, budgetary and other operational and personnel matters is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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