Overview
The Political Affairs Officer will lead and organize operational activities related to the work of the office or mission, and prepare briefing notes and talking points for senior staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Leads and organizes operational activities related to the work of the office or mission, i.e., peacekeeping, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, conflict prevention and resolution, post-conflict rehabilitation, election administration, political and governance institution-building, civil society support work, etc.; pursues 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.
- Prepares and reviews briefing notes and talking points for the Senior Political Affairs Officer, Head of Mission and other senior staff. Provides guidance and advice on assigned issues to the head of mission, as well as other selected offices of intergovernmental bodies concerning assigned areas of work, status of negotiations, and the approach to various issues including interpretation of rules of procedure. Prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties and manages operations involving several components of a limited nature, such as civilian, military or humanitarian operations. Develops and maintains relations with government officials at the working levels and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern.
- Leads a team which deals with a variety of political issues in a region and or country or major conflict. Attends meetings to identify the scope of the project, considers methodologies, and leads or actively participates in developing guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new assignments. Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. Represents the team at round tables, seminars and conferences.
- Provides substantive support to his/her supervisor in the formulation of the programme of work, budget and medium-term plan of the unit by actively participating in or leading meetings, drafting major components and compiling or researching issues related to the mission.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Required Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related field is required. Experience working in the Levant region is required.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, Management or Development, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is an asset.
