Exciting Political Affairs Officer Role

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Senior Political Affairs Officer in charge of the Support Unit of the Committee established pursuant to UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1540 (2004) in the Office for Disarmament Affairs in New York.

Responsibilities

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

• 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 in the area of assignment; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations.
• Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to advice to the Head of the Unit.
• Develops, implements and evaluates programmes, as well as organizes events, workshops and conferences in the area of assignment.
• Drafts analytic notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Participates in the organization of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and subsidiary organs related to its work.
• Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment.
• Arranges and participates in missions related to the area of assignment.
• Meets regularly with operational teams including UN staff, and national officials to plan projects and review project activities.
• 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 work with relevant UN entities, other international organizations, and regional organizations and governments to enhance coordination and cooperation.
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic for a related to his/her assigned area of responsibility and as designated.
• Carries out, in consultation with the Head of the Unit, administrative functions relating to programme planning and budget.
• Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• 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. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Qualification

• 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. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
• 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.
• Programme and conference management experience in relevant geographic region(s), including demonstrated track record of organizing events and/or training workshops, is required. A minimum of two years of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
• Experience in the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction under relevant international non-proliferation regimes is desirable.

Skills Required:

• Economics / Statistics
• Hr / Public / Admin
• Legal / Law
• Political / Science / Ir