Position description
This post is part of the Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations Section (RMDRDS) within Office of the Under-Secretary General (OUSG) of the Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and will be situated in the UN Liaison Office for Peace and Security in Brussels (UNLOPS), Belgium. In the spirit of partnership with the European Union (EU) and with other UN departments focused on peace and security, this position will perform liaison, resource mobilization and donor relations functions with EU institutions, member states and members of the international community in Brussels to strengthen cooperation, institutional dialogue and improve coordination. This incumbent will report to the Chief of RMDRS, Office of the Under-Secretary-General/UNOCT with secondary reporting to the Chief of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General, UNOCT.
The Office of Counter-Terrorism has five main functions: (a) provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to the Secretary-General from across the United Nations system; (b) enhance coordination and coherence across the 43 Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact (former CTITF) entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy; (c) strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States; (d) improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and (e) ensure that due priority is given to counterterrorism across the United Nations system and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Acts as the focal point for the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism to European Union and The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), establishing and maintaining contact with key interlocutors in those institutions, identifying opportunities for strengthening the UNOCT-EU engagement, following up on EU-UNOCT and or NATO-UNOCT relations including dialogue initiatives, existing joint programmes and other activities, and reporting on activities and developments in relevant institutions.
- In support of UNOCT’s Resource Mobilization Strategy, identify and undertake new resource mobilization with the EU to include the design and delivery of with a view to the expansion of existing partnerships with the EU.
- Oversee the management of existing contributions from the EU to include reporting, organization of high and technical-level outreach and briefings.
- Undertakes outreach to EU member states, as well as representative functions in European capitals as necessary.
- Serves as an integrated member of the UNLOPS team, providing support to UNLOPS’ representative function as the consolidated entry point on peace and security matters in Brussels and carrying out other functions as designated by the Head of UNLOPS.
- Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned as well as EU and NATO activities globally; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues such as refugees and drug control; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations.
- Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to UNOCT Senior Management Team (SMT).
- Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern to UNLOPS and UNOCT; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
- Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding relevant political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
- Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
- Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise.
- Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
- Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation.
- 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. Knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, and policy matters related to counter-terrorism, the UN system and its work on counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism. 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.
- 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.
- Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
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 additional two years of 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 working on issues related to preventing and countering terrorism, including within the realm of political affairs and rule of law and security institutions, is desirable.
- Experience with liaison functions and representational responsibilities, coordinating with partners and stakeholder management processes at the United Nations or in another intergovernmental organisation is desirable.
- Experience in resource mobilization and donor engagement is required.
- Knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, and policy matters related to counter-terrorism, the UN system and its work on counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism is desirable.
- Experience of working with and knowledge of European Union institutions, legislative processes and funding instruments is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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