Political Affairs Officer, P4 UNOWAS – United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel Dakar, Senegal Org. Setting and Reporting 238 views

Political Affairs Officer, P4

UNOWAS – United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel

Dakar, Senegal

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Office of the Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel in UNOWAS. The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of Staff.

Responsibilities

• Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: (These duties are generic and may not be carried out by all Political Affairs Officers.)
• Prepares and reviews documentation, including but not limited to, briefing notes and talking points. Provides guidance and advice on issues concerning assigned areas of work. Prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties and manages operations involving several components of a limited nature. Develops and maintains relations with external stakeholders at the working level and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern.
• Provides substantive support to the Chief of Staff in the formulation of the Mission’s programme of work, its budgetary framework, operational plans and performance reports, including by actively participating in or leading meetings; drafting major components and compiling or researching issues related to the mission.
• Attends meetings to identify the scope of projects, considers methodologies, and leads or actively participates in developing guidelines, terms of references, operational plans and timeframes for assignments. Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and or interagency involvement and participation.
• Leads and organizes operational activities related to the work of the Mission. 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 Mission.
• Monitors developments, assesses implications and makes recommendations on possible actions, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and advance the Mission’s mandated objectives;
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism – Knowledge of political issues related to the West Africa sub-region is a prerequisite; Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes; Ability to provide solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries; Ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas; 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

Education

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

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of relevant, progressively responsible professional experience including in, political science, international relations, law, public administration, programme management and/or strategic planning processes in peace consolidation settings or related field is required;
• At least two years of experience in a field mission or working with UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes is desirable. Practical experience of using monitoring and evaluation tools is an asset

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of other UN official language is desirable.