Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is found in the Middle East Division (MED) of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). It reports to the Senior Political Affairs Officer/Team Leader of the Gulf Team under the overall supervision and guidance of the Director and Deputy Director of MED.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Reviews and monitors activities in Yemen, with a particular focus on Hudaydah governorate, as well as relevant Gulf countries; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations;
- Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide advice on Yemen, particularly regarding the situation in Hudaydah governorate, to the ASG Middle East and Asia Pacific and/or USGs DPPA and DPO;
- Prepares reports and briefings to the Security Council, or other bodies, as required; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials on Yemen and other Gulf countries;
- Prepares meeting notes and mission reports; plans and participates in field missions, as required;
- Participates regularly in relevant meetings on Yemen and Gulf countries, including relevant DPPA, DPO, DOS and other UN interagency meetings;
- Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take;
- Provides ongoing advice and backstopping support to the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA);
- Maintains close contacts with other teams within the Middle East Division and other DPPA-DPO Divisions, including the Office of Military Affairs, Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, Policy and Mediation Division; other UN departments, agencies, funds and programmes; UN Country Team; other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters, as appropriate, on matters relevant to UNMHA and Yemen;
- Carries out, in consultation with the Team Leader of the Gulf Team, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget;
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrates experience working in or with the UN system, particularly in the area of peace and security. Shows knowledge of the work of the United Nations and the functions, priorities and policies of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations at both Headquarters and with respect to their operations in the field (special political missions and peacekeeping operations). Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in Yemen and the Gulf region. 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;
- 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;
- TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, 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, security, conflict resolution or related area is required;
- Experience in dealing with peace and security issues in Yemen, the Gulf region and/or the Middle East is required;
- Experience in and/or familiarity with the workings of the UN, including with special political or peacekeeping missions, is required;
- A minimum of two years of field experience serving in a United Nations peace operation in a civilian (non-uniformed) capacity, preferably in the Middle East region, is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency (both oral and written) in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations Language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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