SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P5

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Office of Military Affairs provides military expertise and advice to senior United Nations leadership in support of the planning, deployment and effective functioning of military components in United Nations peace operations. As mission transitions accelerate and political dynamics continue to evolve across multiple theatres, OMA requires a strong political affairs capability to ensure that operational assessments, planning processes and strategic advice are informed by appropriate political analysis. The Senior Political Affairs Officer provides political analysis and strategic advice to the Military Adviser on developments affecting United Nations peace operations, with particular attention to mission transitions and related policy and operational considerations. The incumbent monitors and analyses political and peace and security developments, identifies emerging trends and their implications for United Nations military operations, and supports the formulation of coherent advice for senior leadership. This position is located in the Office of Military Affairs (OMA), Department of Peace Operations (DPO), at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The incumbent reports directly to the Military Adviser, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Monitor, research and analyse political, peace and security developments and processes in assigned geographic and/or thematic areas, identifying emerging issues, trends and potential risks; assess their implications for United Nations peace operations, mission transitions, policy formulation, strategic planning and decision-making, including through the use of digital technologies and data analytics. • Oversee the preparation of analytical and strategic documentation, including reports, briefing notes, talking points, concept papers, policy papers and correspondence for the Military Adviser and other senior United Nations officials, to support informed decision-making on peace and security, mission transitions and related policy and operational matters. • Develop strategies, policy options, plans and initiatives related to peacekeeping, early warning, conflict prevention, disarmament, mediation, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and mission transitions, including recommendations on immediate and longer-term approaches to evolving political and operational challenges. • Advise on the political implications of operational assessments, military planning and proposed peacekeeping initiatives, including the development or review of policies, guidance, terms of reference, operational concepts, plans and timelines for new, transitioning or reconfigured operations. • Coordinate complex programmes, projects, missions and other activities requiring engagement across departments, agencies and different components of United Nations operations, including civilian, military and humanitarian actors; ensure coherent responses to comments, statements, queries and emerging issues requiring cross-cutting analysis. • Organize programmatic and strategic activities in the assigned area of work, including internal and inter-agency coordination mechanisms, field and support missions, consultations, workshops, conferences and other engagements at United Nations Headquarters. • Provide substantive backstopping and political affairs support to United Nations peace operations and offices away from Headquarters, including analysis and advice on major political developments, mission transitions, reconfiguration, drawdown and other developments affecting the implementation of mandates. • Guide support, as required, to intergovernmental processes and bodies, including the Security Council, General Assembly and their subsidiary bodies, through the preparation of substantive inputs, advice on relevant political and operational matters and coordination of activities arising from their deliberations and decisions. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior government officials, Permanent Missions of Member States, United Nations partners, international and regional organizations, host governments, civil society, academia and other stakeholders, and provide advice on peace and security matters of mutual concern. • Represent the Office of Military Affairs and, as appropriate, the United Nations in meetings, consultations, working groups, conferences, seminars and other fora dealing with political, peacekeeping and international peace and security matters. •Promote organizational learning and institutional knowledge by facilitating the collection, analysis and dissemination of lessons learned, good practices and relevant policy and operational experience, particularly in relation to peace operations and mission transitions. •Direct the development, review and dissemination of policies, guidance and related strategic products to ensure consistency with evolving political conditions, mandated priorities and operational requirements. •Ensure that relevant rights-based approaches, conflict-prevention considerations, gender/Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), environmental and/or climate security perspectives are appropriately incorporated into political analysis, policy advice, planning and operational recommendations. •Supervise the substantive work of assigned personnel, as applicable, including setting priorities, allocating work, providing guidance and ensuring the quality and timely completion of outputs. •Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the work of intergovernmental bodies, the work of the United Nations and its related bodies concerned with political, economic, social and related matters. Ability to evaluate international political situations in area of assignment. Ability to manage and coordinate many different levels and participants in operations in both the field and UN common system. 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. • 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. • VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. • BUILDING TRUST: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to others; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, electoral affairs, civil affairs or another relevant area is required. Experience in political analysis related to international peace and security is required. Experience providing strategic advice to senior officials on political, peace and security or related policy matters is required. Experience analysing political developments and their implications for United Nations peace operations or comparable international operations is required. Experience related to mission transitions, drawdown, reconfiguration or other significant changes to peace operations is desirable. Experience in political-military affairs or in analysing the political dimensions of military planning and operations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Arabic or Chinese (Mandarin) or Russian or Spanish is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Desirable Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Arabic UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Chinese (Mandarin) UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Russian UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Spanish UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Assessment

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

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must meet the applicable geographical or lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy, taking into account that selection to the post may itself constitute a qualifying move, in accordance with the relevant administrative issuances. Staff members are encouraged to ensure that all qualifying geographical or lateral moves are accurately reflected in their applicant profile. Please refer to ST/AI/2025/2 on the Staff selection system for more details.

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. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. 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.