Job Description

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Regional Support Section (RSS) of the Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch (PKMCB) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism of the Secretariat, both at Headquarters. The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of the Regional Support Section of PKMCB. 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 46 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. The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) is part of UNOCT and promotes the delivery of United Nations capacity building assistance to Member States.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Reviews and analyses key policy and strategic developments and emerging peace and security trends, in particular related to counter-terrorism and the prevention of violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism;
• Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues such as refugees, drug control and natural resources; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations;
• Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to supporting the coordination and capacity-building efforts of the Office;
• Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials;
• Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work;
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment, particularly related to counter-terrorism and violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism;
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive 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;
• Provides input for assessment of staff to be deployed to important posts in the field (e.g. Resident Coordinators) as needed;
• Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Extensive knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, especially policy matters related to counter-terrorism and political analysis. In-depth knowledge of the UN System and its work on counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism, and shows ability to coordinate the United Nations on such issues. Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. 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;
• 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, international economics, law, public administration or other related. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work 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 counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism issues is required;
• Experience working within the United Nations system or with United Nations entities on counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism, is desirable;
• Experience in inter-agency coordination work within the United Nations, as well as in the drafting of United Nations reports, is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations Language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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