UN seeks a Desk Officer for the Western Sahara negotiations
Political Affairs Officer, New York
Closing Date: Friday, 27 April 2012
UN Secretariat, New York
Job Title :
POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P3
Department/ Office :
Department of Political Affairs
Duty Station :
NEW YORK
Posting Period : 27 February 2012-27 April 2012
Job Opening number : 12-POL-DPA-22849-R-NEW YORK (X)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting
The Position is located in the Africa II Division of the Department of Political Affairs (DPA). The incumbent will report to the Deputy Director of the Division through the Team Leader for North Africa. The incumbent will contribute towards the implementation of the Africa Division II's mandate in North Africa, in particular Western Sahara.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and supervision of the Team leader and Deputy Director, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- He/She performs the functions of Desk Officer for the Western Sahara negotiations;
- He/She conducts research and prepares analytical materials and assessments related to political developments related to the negotiations, is responsible for preparing draft briefing material for the Secretary-General and other senior officials;
- He/She provides advice and support to the Team Leader, the Deputy Director and the Director;
- He/She will be responsible for organising negotiation meetings, supporting all aspects of the work of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (PESG) for Western Sahara in his implementation of the mandate given to him by the Security Council and liaising with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and other United Nations Agencies and Programmes whose work is related to the negotiations;
- As appropriate, he/she participates in the negotiation meetings and the missions undertaken by the PESG;
- He/She covers Security Council and General Assembly deliberations on relevant political issues;
- He/She performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism:
- Ability to conduct in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in Africa, especially countries in Central, West and North Africa;
- Ability to relate various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas;
- Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspective s 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 the 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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international relations , international economics, law, public administration, political science 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations , law, conflict resolution or related area. Experience working in North African countries or issues is highly desirable. Experience with mediation processes is also desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French and/or Arabic is desirable.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. This position is funded for a finite period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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.
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