Job Vacancies Department of Peacekeeping Operations, December 2011
Job Vacancies Department of Peacekeeping Operations
Position Political Affairs Officer
Department/ Office OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL DPKO-OO
Duty Station NEW YORK
Closing Date: Sunday, 25 December 2011
Job Opening number 11-POL-DPKO OO OASG-21518-R-NEW YORK (O)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Peacekeeping Operations. The incumbent will report to the ASG through the Special Assistant to the ASG.
Responsibilities
The Political Affairs Officer will serve as a member of the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (OASG), Office of Operations. The Officer will assist the ASG in his responsibilities in providing strategic direction to, and overseeing the daily management of, the missions led by DPKO, and will contribute to the coordination of the work of the Office of Operations.
Under the general supervision of the Special Assistant to the ASG and in cooperation with the other Political Affairs Officers in the OASG, the incumbent will, inter alia:
o Monitor developments in the area of operations of all current peacekeeping operations and bring relevant information to the ASG’s attention;
o Draft and edit correspondence, code cables, talking points, speeches and briefing notes for the ASG’s signature;
o Monitor and prioritize incoming communications for the ASG’s attention and consideration, and assist in appropriate follow-up;
o Review and edit as necessary outgoing cables and other correspondence for the ASG’s signature;
o Anticipate and address requirements related to the ASG’s activities and coordinate and/or assist in preparation of background material for the ASG’s meetings;
o Coordinate inputs from Office of Operations for various notes and documents, ensuring accuracy, consistency and quality of content;
o Liaise with a wide range of interlocutors in support of the ASG’s programme of work: within the Department, with other relevant Secretariat Departments and UN agencies, troop/police; contributors, members of the Security Council, and government officials, among others;
o Contribute to fulfilling the reporting obligations of the Department and servicing other parts of the Secretariat on matters related to peacekeeping;
o Provide support to the Special Assistant of the ASG on managerial and human resource matters;
o Undertake ad hoc assignments for the Special Assistant and ASG, as necessary;
Competencies
Professionalism:
Demonstrates ability to analyse possible causes and solutions to political and operational problems in the areas under DPKO’s responsibility; familiarity with challenges and opportunities of UN peacekeeping; conscientiousness and efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Excellent analytical skills. Proven ability to prioritize issues of relevance, monitor developments and ensure proper follow-up. Proven ability to coordinate work within an office and to maintain/organize topical and background documentation on assigned issues. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspective s and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
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.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political or social sciences or international relations . A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience in international relations , development or conflict resolution work at national and international levels may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in international relations or related area. Experience in a United Nations peacekeeping operation is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
The candidates will be assessed through a written practical test and competency-based interview.
Special Notice
- This position is vacant due the assignment of the regular incumbent to a mission. The extension of appointment of the selected candidate will depend upon return of the incumbent who maintains a lien against this post. In this regards the selected candidate will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding to this effect.
- Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all Staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee
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.
