Job Description

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) in the Middle East Division. The incumbent reports to the Middle East Team Leader/Senior Political Affairs Officer under the overall supervision and guidance of the Director and Deputy Director of the Division.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and supervision of the Team Leader and Deputy Director of the Middle East Division (MED), the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Reviews and monitors activities in the Middle East with specific focus on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues, particularly as they relate to the Middle East peace process and the work of the Middle East Quartet.
• Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to the Director of the Division, ASG Middle East and Asia Pacific and/or USGs DPPA and DPO; provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Prepares reports and papers on 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.
• Provide political substantive and operational support to the Offices of the Special Coordinator for the Middle East peace process (UNSCO); acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment; remains abreast, and as required, provides back up on issues related to Lebanon, Jordan and Syria; maintains contacts and liaises with other United Nations departments, agencies and programs at Headquarters, in particular in the framework of the DPPA-led Integrated Task Force on the OPT.
• 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.
• Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the work of the United Nations or similar international organizations related to the Middle East and North Africa region. Proven competence, integrity and reliability in performance. Proven analytical skills, with ability to identify problems (political, social, economic) affecting a country or a geographic area; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.
• 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 a related field. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced 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. A minimum of three year's experience working on issues related to the Middle East region, including developing policy recommendations is required. Experience in multilateral negotiations and working with member states in the context of UN intergovernmental processes, particularly in the General Assembly and Security Council, is required. Experience in backstopping a political or peacekeeping mission from headquarters is required. Experience in drafting politically sensitive documents and reports is required. Experience in UN Coordination and post-conflict peacebuilding, recovery, and transition planning is desirable.

Languages

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

Application instructions

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