Associate Political Affairs Officer

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Assignment is non-family (Bunia). Until 30 June 2027, with possible 12 months extension depending on the availability of funds and satisfactory of performance.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Section, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• Gather, select, verify, and analyze information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including internal mission reports and the press;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge relating to political issues in general in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), particularly as they affect the operational area for which the staff member is responsible;
• Keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provide updates and inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in the Mission;
• Monitor national and provincial level political developments and provide advice to the Mission;
• Provide technical and substantive support for the implementation of the mandate of the Political Affairs Division in Mission headquarters (HQ);
• Maintain contacts with other components of the Mission, UN international partners, and government authorities on political and security issues, coordination, and policy matters;
• Maintain regular contact with all relevant local political actors and civil society groups;
• Assist in compiling and producing daily, weekly, flash, and other written reports as directed by the Head of Section;
• Assist with the preparation of internal and external meetings chaired by or attended by the Director and/or Head of the Political Affairs Section;
• Coordinate preparations for special visits and support visiting delegations as required;
• Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government, and non-governmental organizations within the assigned area of responsibility;
• Maintain database information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving political and security actors in the area covered by the regional office;
• Participate in fact-finding and other joint missions within the assigned area of responsibility;
• Assist the Head of Political Affairs Section in conflict resolution or crisis management initiatives by gathering and analyzing information;
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations, briefings, and other information packages for senior officials as directed by the Head of Section;
• Participate in field visits in difficult circumstances; when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring, and formal and on-the-job training;
• Perform any other related duties as may be required.