Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Juba, in the Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Political (DSRSG/P). Juba is classified in the “E” category and as a non-family duty station. The Special Assistant/Political Affairs will report to the Senior Advisor and Head of Office of the DSRSG/P.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the DSRSG/P and direct supervision of the Senior Advisor and Head of Office of the DSRSG/P, and within the limits of delegated authority, the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties:
• Support the DSRSGP to identify, analyze and monitor and report on key political developments, trends, and emerging issues in South Sudan respect to the implementation of UNMISS mandate, 3-year strategic vision (2021-24) and the Political Pillar strategic priorities.
• Bring to the attention of the DSRSGP all matters requiring attention, assists in formulating options/strategies to handle matters at hand, and ensures appropriate follow-up, as directed, including through collaboration with other mission front offices and components as needed.
• Substantively handles incoming correspondence and drafts outgoing correspondence of the DSRSG/P, facilitate the efficient flow of information between the Political Pillar sections and contributes to the drafting/clearing of code cables, correspondence, speeches as directed.
• Contribute to drafting of analytical reports including, but not limited to, situation reports, progress reports on implementation of the peace process, briefing notes, note to files of DSRSGP meetings, options papers, code cables, and input for the reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council and other related thematic reports emanating from the Political Pillar.
• Supports the DSRSGP in preparations for official meetings, events, and high-level visits, field visits, including through the provision of Secretariat services and by drafting talking points, briefing notes, note to files and speeches.
• In close liaison with the Mission’s communications and public information team, assist with media liaison and manage requests for interviews with the DSRSG/P as directed.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with mission components, UNCT including through support to implementation action points from inter-agency engagements chaired or convened by the DSRSGP.
• Serve as a focal point on operational and coordination issues of the front office and political pillar as required. This includes working with focal points across Mission components (e.g. field offices, military, mission support and police components) to ensure effective coordination of the Mission’s interventions in hotspots.
• Perform the secretariat functions to the ad-hoc Forums chaired by the DSRSG/P in performing integrated and holistic approach to POC threats and subnational violence and conflict
• Serves as Focal point for administrative/ budget issues pertaining to the O/DSRSGP and assists in formulating, implementing, and reporting on the Political Pillar’s strategic priorities and work plan, and supports to in planning and budgetary process of the O/DSRSGP and Political Pillar.
• Perform other relevant duties as requested by the DSRSGP and/or the head of the front
office.

Competencies

Professionalism: Solid understanding of the political work of the United Nations in the area of peace and security; ability to identify problems and propose policy options; proven drafting, reviewing and editing skills; diplomacy and judgment in dealing with others; conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments and achieving results. 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.

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.

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 from team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social science, economics, law, public administration, or a related field. A first university degree with a combination of two years of professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree or equivalent. Professional training in the areas of political economy analysis, planning, mediation, facilitation, and/or coordination is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, international relations, political economy analysis, law, or related fields is required.

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

Experience in providing analytical advice on political developments and mandate implementation is required.

At least one year of experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions, and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) or similar international organization or nongovernmental organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required.

Previous experience working in the office of a senior public official and/or as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior official 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 post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

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.

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.

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.