UN Political Affairs Officer Job Vacancy in New York

Job Title: POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P3
Department/ Office: DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Posting Period: 16 November 2011-15 January 2012
Job Opening number: 11-POL-DEPT OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS-19946-R-NEW YORK



United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Department of Political Affairs in the Middle East and West Asia Division and the incumbent of the post will report to to the Team Leader/Senior Political Affairs Officer.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
Conducts research and analysis on peace and security issues related to Central Asia and neighbouring countries.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect Central Asia and the wider region.
Supports the activities of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) through the provision of technical and substantive backup assistance, including budget preparations.
Monitors national and regional political developments and provides advice to the Director and Deputy Director of MEWAD, as well as UNRCCA officers.
Drafts reports, meeting notes, code cables, briefing notes, talking points for senior UN officials, internal memoranda, and other communications on issues under his/her purview.
Attends Security Council, General Assembly, negotiating bodies, conferences, and meetings on Central Asia and the wider region as required.
Monitors actions taken with regard to Central Asia by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations and maintains contacts with them.
Participates in fact-finding and other missions to Central Asia and neighbouring countries as required.
Performs other related duties as directed by the Team Leader, and/or the Division Director or Deputy Director.

Competencies
Professionalism:

• Demonstrated knowledge of analytical and research skills in matters related to international affairs especially in the Central Asia region; 
• demonstrates good knowledge of back-stopping Special Political Missions; 
• demonstrates political knowledge of Central Asia and the wider region; 
• shows pride in work and in achievements; 
• speaks and writes clearly and effectively; 
• 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 & 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 political science , international relations, international economics, law, public administration 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 international political affairs or related area with exposure to policy analysis and report-writing is required. 
• Experience in backstopping field (special political or peacekeeping) missions is required. 
• At least two years working on issues related to Central Asia and/or neighbouring countries is desirable. 
• Experience preparing budgets is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. 
• For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required and knowledge of Russian is desirable.

Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include a written 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 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.

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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Closing Date: Sunday, 15 January 2012