Job Description

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the Syria Team in the Middle East Division (MED), Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) and is based at Headquarters in New York. The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Team Leader/Senior Political Affairs Officer under the overall supervision of the Director and Deputy Director of the Division.

Responsibilities

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

• Review and monitor activities in Syria and the region; assess trends and events that may affect UN engagement in Syria; recommends solutions/possible action by the United Nations.
• Analyses political developments related to Syria and the region with a view to provide early warning advice to ASG/USG or Head of Mission and advancing mandated objectives.
• Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts briefing notes, background and options papers, talking points, speeches, code cables, inputs for the reports of the Secretary-General and other correspondence for senior officials.
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of up-to-date information on political issues, in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible.
• Provides up-to-date information on national and regional level political developments and provides advice to senior officials regarding substantive political matters related to Syria and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, including Syria IATF, UNCT-Syria and OSE-Syria, other international organisations and governments, civil society actors, academic and research institutions, and other partners on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
• Participates in and supports preparations for official meetings and visits, conferences, seminars and academic fora related to Syria. Prepares written summaries of meetings/visits and assists with follow-up activities, as appropriate.
• Support the implementation of the due-diligence document on “Principles and Parameters for UN engagement in Syria” adopted in October 2017.
• Carries out in consultation with the Team Leader administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: 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.
• 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.

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 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, disarmament, research, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Extensive experience working on issues related to the Syrian conflict, including developing policy recommendations is required. Experience in UN Coordination and post-conflict peacebuilding, recovery, and transition planning is required.

Languages

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

Application instructions

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