Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA), Geneva Branch. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Branch and the Deputy.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Serves as Head of the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and ensures the implementation of the ISU’s mandate;
- Leads and coordinates the work of the CCW and the provision of secretariat services to the CCW bodies, in coordination with other parts of the Secretariat/the UN Office in Geneva as needed;
- Directly supports the Chairs/presiding officers of the CCW bodies in discharging their functions, including by serving as Secretary to the meetings; provides advice on and ensures the application of the rules of procedure and past practice;
- Advises States on the implementation of the CCW and its Protocols and conducts outreach, awareness raising and universalization activities for States and other stakeholders;
- Reviews and monitors developments, and assesses trends related to disarmament and conventional weapons and new and emerging weapon technologies ; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations;
- Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to ASG/USG or Head of Mission;
- Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials;
- Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issuesrelated to assigned portfolio;
- Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and makes recommendations on actions to take;
- Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments; 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, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget as required;
- Drafts/coordinates the drafting or edits the drafting of a variety of official and internal correspondence related to the assigned portfolio;
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Proven knowledge of international peace and security issues. Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to issues in specific areas specifically as related to international humanitarian law, new technologies and international (and/or national) security, as well as weapons' reviews and export control. 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;
- 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;
- 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;
- LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: builds teams and empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field of public international law, international relations, political science, or closely related area 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, international humanitarian law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. At least five years of experience substantively servicing intergovernmental meetings and supporting intergovernmental processes at the United Nations or another intergovernmental organization is required. Experience in providing advice on disarmament, non-proliferation or arms control frameworks and treaty and their development and implementation is required. Programme management experience on disarmament and arms control 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 another UN official language is desirable.
Application instructions
Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org
