Job Description

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Policy and Mediation Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. The Guidance and Learning Unit is responsible for the development and maintenance of a Departmental system and strategies for knowledge management, guidance material, lessons learning and training. The team is also responsible for a range of cross cutting issues related to the work of Special Political Missions, including UN mission transitions and UN integration. This position serves as Team Leader of the Guidance and Learning Unit and reports to the Chief of Policy and Guidance and the Director of the Policy and Mediation Division.

ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: \u2022 Serves as Team Leader of the Guidance and Learning Unit and oversees all aspects of the Unit\u2019s work. \u2022 Leads, reviews and monitors the development and promotion of policies, guidance and training for DPPA, working with DPO/DPET on joint, or coordinated, initiatives. \u2022 Develops and supports DPPA's knowledge management system, including undertaking lessons learning exercises and after-action reviews, in close collaboration with DPPA-DPO regional divisions, Special Political Missions and other entities \u2022 Oversees a variety of guidance and learning issues related to Special Political Missions (SPMs) and provides targeted support to regional desks and SPMs; provides in-briefings and debriefings to Special Representatives and Envoys. \u2022 Prepares analytical reports and inputs on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials on DPPA policies and guidance, learning, and other cross-cutting issues such as integration and UN mission transitions. \u2022 Meets regularly with operational teams to plan projects and review project activities. \u2022 Represents DPPA at interagency policy fora such as the Integration Working Group (IWG); maintains contacts with other UN entities, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. \u2022 Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise. \u2022 Works closely with other units in the Division and contributes to the management of the Policy and Mediation Division. Carries out, in consultation with the Chief for Policy and Guidance, administrative functions relating to staff planning and budgetary resources. \u2022 Performs other related duties as required.

CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the UN's work in peace and security, including its field missions, as well as cross-pillar integration. Knowledge of mission planning processes. Demonstrable experience in conducting research, drafting of analytical papers and documents, and in analyzing complex dimensions of the work of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, including field missions. Strong ability to develop partnerships and work collaboratively with other parts of the UN system and external partners. 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 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. JUDGEMENT / DECISION MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related fields is required. A first-level university degree in any of these fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific QualificationNot available.

Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Knowledge of the work of the UN or related international organization in the areas of peace and security, including conflict prevention and peacemaking, is required. Experience in knowledge management, guidance development and strategic planning is required. Experience in and/or familiarity with the work of Special Political Missions is required. Experience working on UN integration or related area is desirable. Experience leading a team is desirable. Project development, management and results based budgeting experience is desirable.

LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).

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