Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is located in the Division for Palestinian Rights (DPR) of the Department of Political and Peace-building Affairs (DPPA). Under the general supervision of the DPR Director, the incumbent reports to the UNISPAL Team Leader.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Gathers, selects and analyses information related to the Question of Palestine contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press;
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the question of Palestine 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 in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat;
- Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice to field mission/UN agencies active on the ground;
- Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit;
- Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters;
- Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations;
- Selects, classifies and stores in computerised databases information relating to the question of Palestine;
- Manages, maintains and updates the online UN Information System on the Question of Palestine;
- Acts as innovation focal point, identifies new technologies to enhance Divisional products and business processes, and oversees the implementation of innovative projects;
- Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility;
- Participates in provision of secretariat services to the Palestinian Rights Committee;
- Prepares meetings of the CEIRPP Bureau with SG/DSG/USG with officials from countries under the Organization's purview;
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. 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;
- 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, international economics, law, public administration or other related. 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, conflict resolution or related area is required;
- Experience working on the issues of Palestine and the Middle East is desirable;
- Experience working with databases and websites is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French or Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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