Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) in Juba. Juba is classified as an “E” duty station and a non-family duty station. The incumbent will report to a Senior Political Affairs Officer, and/or the Head of the Political Affairs Division, as required.

Responsibilities

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

Political and operational analysis and advice

Identify, analyze and monitor political, economic and operational developments, trends and emerging issues in South Sudan, particularly on issues of regional relations, bilateral relations with Sudan and post-secession negotiations, the political dimensions of armed insurrections and inter-communal violence, and threats to national security, as relevant within the area of assignment.
Assess implications and make recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance peace consolidation and other mandated objectives. Monitor and analyze legislative and constitutional trends and developments which may affect the political situation. Monitor and assess the implementation of political strategies in support of mandate implementation.

Reporting and Information Management

Prepare a range of reports and briefing papers including, but not limited to, situation reports, notes to file, briefing notes, options papers, code cables and input to reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council. Prepare contextual information materials, such as background notes, political profiles and databases of relevance to the assigned portfolio; Manage information to ensure its accessibility and utility. Provide up-to-date information on key political and legislative developments in South Sudan
Maintain information and undertake analysis on sources of insecurity to support implementation of the Mission’s conflict management strategy.

Planning, Coordination and Facilitation

Assess trends which might affect the political situation in the Mission area. In consultation with relevant partners, propose plans of action for immediate and medium-term solutions to political issues. Support the compatibility of Mission priorities with the transitional political timeline of the Government of South Sudan. Provide political input to mission concepts and planning documents. Develop and maintain liaison at the appropriate level with Government representatives, including the Transitional Government of National Unity and the Transitional National Assembly, civil society actors, political parties, military, and law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners on information-sharing, policy, and coordination matters. Develop and maintain contacts with other sections and components of the Mission, international partners and other Missions in the region, such as UNITAMS, OSE-HoA, MONUSCO and UNISFA, and government authorities on coordination and policy matters. Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives; Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation. Facilitate and coordinate, as appropriate, activities related to outreach and peace agreement implementation with local stakeholders and civil society at sub-national level. Support preparations for official meetings, events, and visits, including through the provision of Secretariat services and by drafting talking points and speeches for senior UN officials. Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and assist with follow-up activities, as appropriate. Participate in fact-finding and other missions, as required. Liaise with Mission counterparts at the State-level to understand centre-periphery linkages. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Management/Administration

Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the Section’s programme of work. Perform other duties as required

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrated in-depth understanding and ability to evaluate political, legal, and constitutional developments and assess their political implications for the mission and work of the United Nations; Strong analytical and evaluate skills combined with good judgement: 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.

• 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 and 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 seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, international relations, law, or related field, is required

Experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, and reporting is required.

Experience working in international organizations or non-governmental organizations in a conflict or post-conflict setting in Africa is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required.

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice

This “Recruit from Roster” job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

• Qualified women that meet the requirements of this job opening are particularly encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration in accordance with the United Nations efforts to increase women participation in its workforce.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.