Associate Political Affairs Officer, P-2

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in the Integrated Office in Kinshasa. Kinshasa is classified as a “C” hardship and family duty station. The Associate Political Affairs Officer reports to the Head of the Integrated Office.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties, with an emphasis on drafting reports, submissions, and keynotes:

Political analysis and advice:

• Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications circulated within the Mission or received from HQ;
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political and economic issues;
• Keeps abreast of latest political and economic trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in the mission, when required;

Political outreach and coordination:

• Maintains contacts with other UN Common System colleagues and counterparts, other international organizations and governments, on coordination and policy matters;
• Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations;

Drafting, Reporting and Information Management:

• Contributes to the drafting, reporting and information management in the Pillar, for periodic reports and analytical reports including, but not limited to, notes of meetings, briefing notes, code cables, ensuring quality control of content, language, trend analysis, and strategic messaging; Prepares contextual information materials, such as background notes, briefing notes, talking points, political profiles, analytical papers and databases of relevance to the assigned portfolio;
• Selects, classifies and stores in computerized databases information relating to pertinent political and economic developments in area of responsibility;
• Drafts and coordinates the submission of responses to comments, statements, and queries of UN governing bodies such as ACABQ, Fifth Committee on behalf of the DSRSG/RC/HC Pillar
• Collects inputs and drafts responses to queries received from Mission Components, UN senior officials and UNHQ colleagues, as needed.
• Participates in fact-finding and other missions inside and outside of the Mission area as required.

Program and Project Management:

• Participates in the planning of programmatic activities, Results Based Budgeting (RBB) and Comprehensive Performance Assessment Systems (CPAS) PAS, provide advice to the Head of the Integrated Office as needed; Participates in the development of concept notes, assessment of programmatic activities, project proposals, and budgets, monitoring and reporting as requested;
• Liaise with relevant field offices, Mission components and UN agencies for data collection and ensure synergy and complementarity in the implementation of MONUSCO mandate.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Possesses excellent drafting, analytical and writing skills; Is able to analyze information and synthesize it into concise reports, briefing notes and other documents; 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 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, public administration, economics, social sciences, development, or a related field is required. 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 first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE), or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, political economy or related area is required. Experience drafting high quality, accurate documents in English and French under tight deadlines is required. Experience in monitoring, analyzing and reporting on political processes and economic developments and dynamics is desirable. Experience working in or in support of a field operation of the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in English is required, fluency in French is desirable.

Application instructions

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