Political Affairs Officer (Recruit from Roster)

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This position is located in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Kidal. Kidal is classified as an “E” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Head of Office Kidal.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 to support political processes in that country and carry out a number of security-related tasks. By unanimously adopting resolution 2164 of 25 June 2014, the Council further decided that the Mission should focus on duties, such as ensuring security, stabilization and protection of civilians; supporting national political dialogue and reconciliation; and assisting the reestablishment of State authority, the rebuilding of the security sector, and the promotion and protection of human rights in that country. For more information on the mission mandate visit http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusma/

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

•Reviews and monitors activities in Kidal region assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues such as armed groups and action by United Nations.
•Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to the Kidal Head of Office and feed into the established protection mechanisms.
•Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
•Arranges and participates in negotiations, operations and fact-finding missions.
•Provides up-to-date information to senior officials through the Head of Office regarding substantive political matters or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
•Provide substantive and logistical support to the Head of office in the implementation of the Mission's mandate; Plans and implements the activities related to the work of Political Affairs section; Ensures internal coordination, monitoring and planning of the work of the Section; Liaise and maintain close working relationship with officials of state institutions, political parties, UN system, civil society organizations, and religious actors;
•Prepares briefing notes, talking points, analytical reports including situation reports, briefing notes, code cables and inputs for the Head of Office, Political affairs and other senior staff. Provides continuous guidance and advice to the Head of Office on policies, strategies and other measures to address issues with respect to the implementation of the Mission’s mandate. Responds to/prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties and manages operations involving several components, including civilian, military and humanitarian operations.
•Leads and directs a work team; plans and allocates work assignments; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff. Coordinates and oversees work of colleagues and section.
•Carries out, in consultation with the Head of Office, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget and acts as OiC Head of Office in the absence of the Head of Office.
•Performs other related duties as required.

• Professionalism: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; acts without consideration of personal gain; resists undue political pressure in decision-making; does not abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.

• Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats men and women equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; does not discriminate against any individual or group.

• 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.

•Planning and 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.

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

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. Experience working in the Headquarters of the United Nations or of any other similar large organisation is desirable. Experience working in the office of a senior official and/or as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior public official is desirable. West Africa and Sahel experience is desirable. Experience working in a peacekeeping operation, special political mission or any other field operation is desirable. Experience of leadership in multi-cultural settings, including management and coordination of multi-disciplinary teams, is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

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, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

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.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The screening and 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, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: 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 a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.