Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in located in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in Kabul. Kabul is classified as an "E" hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Service, Political Affairs.

Responsibilities

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

• Acts as a deputy to the Chief of Service, Political Affairs
• Formulates political affairs strategies; develops a vision or direction for work; proposes policy directives and plan of action for immediate and long range solutions to political problems in general and in specific geographical areas; identifies emerging issues pertaining to the mandates of the unit; analyses implications and makes recommendations on possible strategies and measures.
• Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the service or mission, i.e., political outreach, analysis and reporting in areas of domestic politics and political economy, etc.; incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit.
• Plans, coordinates and manages programmes, projects and activities requiring interdepartmental and/or interagency involvement and participation.
• Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Head of Mission and other senior staff.
• Oversees the consultation, drafting, and finalization of quarterly reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council.
• Provides continuous guidance and advice to the Chief of Service, Political Affairs.
• Leads and directs a work team; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programmes.
• Manages, coordinates, organizes and supervises research on a variety of political issues in the country, a region or related to a major conflict.
• Represents division/office/mission at round tables, seminars and conferences.
• Responds to/prepares responses to comments, statements, queries of parties and manages operations involving several components, including civilian and humanitarian operations.
• Formulates the programme of work, budget and medium-term plan of the unit and participates in the overall approval of the programme of work, and administrative matters concerning the Section/Division or mission; coordinates and oversees work of colleagues and unit.
• Develops and maintains relations with senior government officials and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the work of intergovernmental bodies, the work of the United Nations and its related bodies concerned with political, economic, social and related matters. Ability to evaluate international political situations in area of assignment. Ability to manage and coordinate many different levels and participants in operations in both the field and UN common system. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
• 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.
• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
• JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related field. 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 ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.
• Experience working in an international organization or non-governmental organization – in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required.
• Extensive demonstrable experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required.
• Demonstrable experience in drafting and editing high quality analytical reports is required.
• Experience in leading a multi-cultural team is required.
• Experience in supporting strategic review processes, strategic planning and budgets is desirable.
• Experience working on or in Afghanistan or the region is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the position advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of a language spoken in Afghanistan or the region is desirable.

APPLY