Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located within the Somalia Coordination and Planning Team in Africa Division 1 (AD1), Office of Operations, Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). The successful candidate will report to the Team Leader of the Somalia Coordination and Planning Team.

DPKO provides political and executive direction to UN Peacekeeping operations around the world and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates. The Department works to integrate the efforts of UN, governmental and non-governmental entities in the context of peacekeeping operations. DPKO also provides guidance and support on military, police, mine action and other relevant issues to other UN political and peacebuilding missions. (https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/department-of-peacekeeping-operations).

The main role of the Office of Operations is to provide political and strategic policy and operational guidance and support to the missions. (https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/department-of-peacekeeping-operations).

Responsibilities

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

？ Monitors, tracks and analyzes operational, political and other relevant national, regional and international developments related to Somalia, particularly with regard to security and peacekeeping-related issues and with respect to the benchmarks for a peacekeeping operation enshrined in UN Security Council resolution 2124 (2013) and following resolutions.

？ Provide political analysis and expert knowledge of the political and security situation, including with regard to relations between and among the parties, donors, governments, regional organizations and other concerned actors; identify matters for the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) follow-up and respond as required;

？ Provide assistance in planning a possible multidimensional peacekeeping operation in Somalia, and in developing alternative strategic options as required, including preparation of planning directives and guidance, establishing planning frameworks, and coordinating and facilitating inputs from those concerned, including from United Nations Secretariat Departments and specialized agencies;

？ 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 Somalia and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat.

？ Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice to field mission/UN agencies active on the ground.

？ Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters.

？ Participates in fact-finding, assessment, strategic planning and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility.

？ Participates in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions.

？ Prepares meetings of the Secretary-General and the Under-Secretary-General with officials from countries under the Organization's purview.

？ Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

？ PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. 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.

？ 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 degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area. Experience in political affairs at national and international levels in a multi-lateral context is desirable. Experience with or in a peace operation is desirable. Experience working with regional organizations, such as the African Union, is desirable. Experience working in or on Horn of Africa is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

This position is financed by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations. Extension of appointment will be subject to budgetary approval.

Applicants from troop- and police-contributing countries who are found most suitable and recommended for selection will be given due consideration for positions in a peacekeeping operation or Headquarters support account funded positions in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support, taking into account their contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, in accordance with General Assembly resolutions 66/265 and 67/287.