Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Political Affairs Officer will be based in Kabul and report to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General – Political (DSRSG-P). Kabul is classified as an “E” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station.

Responsibilities

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

– Support Mission leadership in the implementation of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) recommendations following the Thematic Evaluation on the incorporation of Climate-Related Security Risks (CSR) by UN peace operations.
– Lead the completion of a study on the interlinkages between climate change, peace, and security in Afghanistan in close collaboration with the Climate, Peace and Security Team in DPPA’s Policy and Mediation Division, UNEP, and DPPA-DPO/APD, including desk-based research and consultations with UN entities, NGOs, government representatives, civil society, regional and global technical and financial partners and researchers, and as feasible with affected populations including women, youth groups and local and religious authorities.
– Analyze the complex interplay and indirect pathways linking climate change, peace and security risks in Afghanistan, including across the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus and with regards to domestic and regional political economy considerations and conflict dynamics; map existing climate, peace, and security related work.
– Assess and analyze existing policies or guidelines by the previous Afghan government as well as the de facto authorities and relevant regional organizations related to climate, peace and security in Afghanistan.
– Provide up-to-date strategic analysis to UNAMA leadership on the interlinkages between climate change, peace and security in Afghanistan and the region, and their cross-cutting implications on the strategic objectives of the Mission and mandate implementation.
– Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefing notes, background materials, code cables and input for the reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council, General Assembly or other bodies, as needed.
– Drafts relevant notes, talking points, speeches and other correspondence as required for senior UN officials.
– Serve as the Mission’s focal point on climate, peace and security issues, including by strengthening the early warning of related risks, collecting and sharing good practices, and strengthening partnerships with the UNCT, DPPA, the UN Climate Security Mechanism, and other partners.
– 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. 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.

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.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, environmental and climate policymaking, law, conflict resolution, security and conflict analysis, or related area is required.

Extensive analytical and reporting experience on the complex interplay between political, security, economic, and environmental issues in Afghanistan is required.

At least three years of experience working in an international organization or non-governmental organization on security, political, or climate issues in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required.

Previous experience in drafting analytical reports for senior leadership under time constraints and in crisis settings, is required.

Experience in Afghanistan is required.

Experience conducting research in Afghanistan is desired.

Languages

English and French are the official working languages of the United Nations. For this advertised position, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of a language spoken in Afghanistan would be an advantage.

Assessment

This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2023. It is for purposes of a Climate Security Assessment only. There is no possibility of extension.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2023 only. The purpose is for a Climate Security Assessment. There is no possibility of extension.

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.