Political Affairs Officer (P3)

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. UNIDIR supports Member States, the United Nations and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world.

Responsibilities

The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Executive Officer. Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible.
• Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat.
• Monitors implementation of Director’s decisions and tasks, as well as national and regional level political developments and provides advice to senior management.
• Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit,
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Coordinates and/or leads institutional capacity building or research initiatives as required;
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; coordinates UNIDIR’s participation at the annual First Committee and the Conference on Disarmament. Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations.
• Selects, classifies and stores in computerised databases information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving assigned countries or region.
• Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility.
• Participates in provision of secretariat services to UNIDIR-wide meetings, including the Board of Trustees, Executive Briefings, Donor Fora, UNIDIR Management team meetings and leads UNIDIR Research seminars and /or meetings and conferences.
• Prepares meetings of the Director with officials from countries under the Organization’s purview, including coordination of presentations, briefing notes and talking points.
• Collects and analyzes data to support strategic and change management initiatives, as well as 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.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following

• UN Secretariat and Funds and Programmes, as well as partners in the area of peace and security
• Permanent Missions and members of delegations to the UN
• Staff of specialized agencies, representatives of non-governmental organisations, regional intergovernmental organisations, academic institutions and civil society.

Results expected

Carries out assignments to completion, including required consultations, with skillful analyses of complex problems and timely action, coherent decisions and clear communication.

Competencies

The incumbent is required to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity. In addition, in this role, the Political Affairs Officer will demonstrate the following competences:

• Professionalism: Knowledge of gender issues. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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.
• 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.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• 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.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Qualifications

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. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.
• Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, disarmament, international peace and security or related area.
• A minimum of two years of experience in the area of resource mobilization is required.
• A minimum of two years of experience in providing executive-level management support and interacting with high level officials and intergovernmental bodies working with complex and sensitive issues is desirable.
• Experience in supporting the development of research and/or policy on international security, arms control and/or disarmament issues is desirable.

Language

Fluency in both of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English and French, (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.