Job Description

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located under Regional Structure of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The incumbent reports to the Middle East Team Leader/Senior Political Affairs Officer under the overall supervision and guidance of the Director and Deputy Director of the Division.

Responsibilities

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

• Reviews and monitors activities in the Middle East region with specific focus on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues, particularly as they relate to the Middle East Peace process; recommends solutions/possible actions by United Nations.
• Analyses political and related events within assigned area, with a view to providing early warning advice to the Director of the Division, ASG Middle East and Asia Pacific and/or USGs DPPA and DPO; provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Prepares reports and papers on related matters of concern to the General Assembly, the Security Council and/or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work.
• Provides political substantive and operational support to the Offices of the Special Coordinator for the Middle East peace process (UNSCO); acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment; keep abreast, and as required, provides back up on issues related to Lebanon, Jordan and Syria; maintains contacts and liaises with other United Nations departments, agencies and programs at Headquarters, in particular in the framework of the DPPA-led Integrated Task Force on the OPT.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments and permanent missions to the UN to support the Middle East Division on coordination and policy matters.
• Briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations, prepares briefing notes/talking points for the SG and other senior UN officials as needed.
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• 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.
• PLANNING & 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.

Education

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

Work Experience

• 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.
• Experience in dealing with peace and security issues in the Middle East region is required.
• A minimum of three years working on issues related to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory is required.
• A minimum of three years of experience backstopping a political or peacekeeping mission from UN Headquarters, is required.
• A minimum of three years of experience working on issues pertaining to international human rights law and international humanitarian law is required.
• Experience working with member states in the context of UN intergovernmental processes, particularly in the General Assembly and Security Council, is required.
• Experience in working on United Nations conflict prevention, conflict resolution, or conflict management issues is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required.

Application instructions

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