POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is assigned with the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Liaison Office in Ukraine (DPPA LO in Ukraine). The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of Office. The Office reports to and is backstopped by the DPPA Europe and Central Asia Division (ECAD).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Reviews and monitors activities in the context of the war in Ukraine; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations. • Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to the Chief of Office. • Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters, as required drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials, as required. • Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment. • Supports, briefs and participates in visits by UN officials, as required. • Maintains contacts in support of the Chief of Office liaison functions with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments represented locally on coordination and policy matters; and briefs as required. • Meets regularly with operational UNCT staff, national officials, as well as diplomatic counterparts, including to plan projects and review project activities, as appropriate. • Provides up-to-date information to the Chief of Office regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take. • Contributes to flash and periodic reports, media updates, thematic and analytical reports, including on peace negotiations, conflict dynamics, political developments. • Supports the Chief of Office in the key tasks of the Office and acts as ad interim head of office during his/her absence from the duty station. • Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise. • Provides input for assessment of programmatic activities. Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of Office, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Sound knowledge of Eastern European affairs and ability to identify and analyse political, social and economic problems that could cause tensions in a country or geographic area. Ability to develop sources for data collection. 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

Extensive experience, at the international level, in conflict/political analysis and drafting of analytical reports is required. A minimum of three years of experience working on peace and security matters in/on Ukraine or Eastern Europe is required. Political liaison experience in international diplomatic setting is required. Experience working on political affairs for the United Nations or similar international organization is desirable. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Ukrainian is desirable. Knowledge of Russian is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This post is funded through extra budgetary resources until 31 December 2024 with the possibility of extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.