Political Affairs Officer (Transitional Justice)

Amman

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Amman
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Social Affairs
    • International Relations
    • Legal - Broad
    • Legal - International Law
    • Political Affairs
    • Peace and Development
  • Closing Date: 2025-12-15

General Information

Publication for
Partner
Partner Name
UN DPPA Department of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding
Position Title
Political Affairs Officer (Transitional Justice)
Job Category
Programme
Duty Station(s)
Amman
Seniority Level
Senior Level
ICS Level
ICS 11
Contract Type
Staff - IP - TA
Contract Level
IP P-4
Posting Start Date
08-Dec-2025
Posting End Date
15-Dec-2025
Duration
3 months

Job Highlight

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Yemen by integrating transitional justice principles into the peace process. The position offers exposure to high-level mediation efforts, engagement with diverse stakeholders, and the chance to shape policy and research in a complex and dynamic environment. Professional growth will be fostered through collaboration with experienced colleagues and access to UN methodologies and best practices

About the Project Office

This position is located in the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen

(OSESGY). The incumbent will report directly to the Senior Political Affairs Officer with the Principal

Political Affairs Officer serving as second reporting officer

Job Specific Context

This position operates within the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY), supporting the integration of transitional justice efforts into current and future mediation efforts. The role requires advising on context-specific, gender-sensitive approaches, maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, and contributing to policy development and research. The incumbent will play a crucial role in promoting understanding of transitional justice within the OSESGY and contributing to political assessment and reporting

Role Purpose

The Political Affairs Officer (Transitional Justice) will advise the OSESGY on integrating transitional justice efforts into mediation efforts, ensuring recommendations are based on sound analysis and understanding of the context. The incumbent will establish and maintain effective working relationships with national authorities, political parties, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders to understand priorities and demands related to transitional justice and to advise on relevant and feasible approaches in relation to the peace process

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Advisory and Analysis


  • Advise the OSESGY on integrating transitional justice efforts into current and future mediation efforts in accordance with the UN strategy on transitional justice, including the Secretary-General’s Guidance Note on the subject matter.


  • Ensure recommendations are based on sound analysis and understanding of the context, including consultations with relevant stakeholders, gender-sensitive victims' perspectives, and adherence to UN methodologies, guidelines, and best practices, including the Secretary-General's Guidance Note on Transitional Justice.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination


  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with national authorities, political parties, civil society (notably human rights and victims’ organizations, as well as organizations focusing on transitional justice), and other relevant stakeholders to understand priorities and demands related to transitional justice and to advise on relevant and feasible approaches in relation to the peace process.


  • Support and enhance various coordination mechanisms with relevant international governmental organizations, track II organizations, Member States, and other UN agencies and bodies on (transitional) justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

3. Policy and Research


  • Initiate and prepare relevant policy documents, analytical papers, and background papers on developments and approaches related to transitional justice.


  • Initiate and supervise research projects on topics relevant to the design and implementation of possible transitional justice approaches and mechanisms.

4. Internal Promotion and Support


  • Promote a broad understanding of transitional justice and its application to various aspects of the peace process and mediation efforts within the OSESGY and across its various sections and field offices.


  • Participate in the engagements and activities undertaken by the Political Affairs Section, including those organized through the Peace Support Project, and contribute to their planning and preparations, including, but not limited to, drafting talking points and meeting notes.

5. Political Assessment and Reporting


  • Contribute to political assessment/analysis on Yemen and the region, and fulfil reporting duties in support of the Political Affairs Section.


  • Support the Special Envoy’s immediate office as requested by the section chief.

Skills

Conflict Resolution, International Relations, Policy Analysis, Political Science, Stakeholder Engagement, Effective communication

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

  • Advanced University Degree (master’s or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, law, public administration, or related fields is required.


Desired

  •  A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience Requirements

Required

  • A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in political science, human rights, transitional justice, international relations, conflict resolution or related areas. 



Desired

  • Experience in advising on transitional justice in peace processes, and/or working with transitional justice mechanisms in a (post-)conflict context is desirable. 
  • Experience advocating with senior government representatives and prominent political actors, promoting and respecting human rights and transitional justice in a (post-)conflict environment is desirable. 
  • Work experience in the political process in Yemen is desirable.

Language Requirements

Language Proficiency Level Requirement
Arabic Fluent Required
English Fluent Required

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
  • Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. 
  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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