Political Affairs Officer

This position is located in the Sana’a office of the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to Yemen (OSESG-Yemen). The Political Affairs Officer will report to the Head of Office. 

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

• Participates fully in assigned operational activities related to the work of the office or mission; supports an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit.

• Prepares briefing notes, analysis and talking points for senior staff. Provides guidance and advice on assigned issues to the Office leadership through the Head of Office. Prepares responses to comments, statements and queries of parties and manages operations involving several components of a limited nature. Develops and maintains relations with Yemeni officials at the working levels and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern.

• Provides assistance with Arabic-English translation and interpretation for the Head of Office and other team member as required. 

• Attends meetings to support the development of office projects, considers methodologies, and participate in developing guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames. Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. Represents the team at round tables, seminars and conferences. 

• Supports his/her supervisor in the formulation of the programme of work, budget and medium-term plans of the unit by participating in meetings and compiling or researching issues related to the mission.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Professionalism: Has ability to identify and analyze the underlying causes of instability (e.g. political, ethnic, sectarian, social, economic) and to provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior officials; Demonstrates sound knowledge of the UN system and understands the roles of substantive components within the Mission; 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 the 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:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Management or Development, or a related field. 
• A first level university degree with a combination of two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is an asset. 

• A minimum of five (05) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. 
• Experience in a UN field operation in a conflict or post-conflict country is required.
• Experience in political affairs in the Middle East or North Africa is required.

Languages:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations.
For the position advertised, fluency in English and Arabic (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable. 

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.