Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in June 2017. The Office has five main functions: (a) provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates across the United Nations System; (b) enhance coordination and coherence across the 43 Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the 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 counter-terrorism across the United Nations System and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.
This position is located in the Knowledge Management and Strategic Support Section of the Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch of the Office of Counter-Terrorism. The Political Affairs Officers report to the Team Leader of the Strategic Support Team, within the Knowledge Management and Strategic Support Section.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of developments relating to thematic issues in international peace and security, countering and preventing terrorism and violent extremism for which the staff member is responsible;
- Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues, as required;
- Provides technical and substantive back up, as well as administrative, logistic and planning support in the implementation of mandates of the Division;
- Maintains contacts and coordinate with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments, as appropriate, on relevant policy matters;
- Monitors actions taken and reports, research, policy documents published by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations;
- Selects, classifies and stores in computerised databases information relating to best practices relating to preventing and countering terrorism;
- Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG with officials from countries under the Organization's purview;
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, especially matters related to counter-terrorism and the prevention of violent extremism. Knowledge of cross-cutting policy frameworks in the United Nations peace and security pillar. Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that are conducive to the spread of terrorism. 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. Ability to support senior coordination meetings. Takes responsibility in preparing summary and analytical reports on political issues. 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, law, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required;
- Experience in policy development and implementation in the United Nations or similar international organizations, including coordination with multiple stakeholders is required;
- Experience in the field of counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism is desirable;
- Experience drafting reports, analytical products and talking points in support of senior officials is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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