Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict. The mandate and work of the office derive from General Assembly resolution 51/77 and subsequent General Assembly resolutions, as well as successive Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict. This position is located in the Liaison Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC) in Brussels. The incumbent reports to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC) through the Head and Chief of the Liaison Office of CAAC in Brussels. ResponsibilitiesWithin the delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will support the OSRSG-CAAC Liaison Office in capacity building on Children and Armed Conflict of Member States, Child Protection Advisers, Academia and Civil Society across all Regions and in strengthening cooperation with European union institutions, Europe-based government, UN entities, non-governmental organizations and academia. The Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press. • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible. • Develops, implements, monitors, evaluates and analyses assigned programmes/projects. • Coordinates activities and prepares related documents/reports in relation to fundraising. • Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of Children and Armed Conflict and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat. • Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice to field mission/UN agencies active on the ground. • Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit. • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters. • Monitors actions taken by inter-governmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations. • Selects, classifies and stores in computerized databases information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving countries or region. • Participates in missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility. • Participates in provision of secretariat services to Human Rights Council, conferences, meetings, and/or special missions of the SRSG-CAAC. • Prepares and follows-up on events and meetings of the SRSG-CAAC with officials from countries under the Organization's purview and UN entities. • Perform other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of human rights issues including monitoring and reporting on issues related to protection and rights of children affected by armed conflict. Ability to conduct research, evaluate and integrate information from variety of sources. Skill in communicating and building relationships with member states, civil society organizations and other United Nations entities. 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. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area, of which at least two years at the international level within the UN system or similar international organization is required. Experience working with EU institutions and the UN Human Rights Council on the issue of Children and Armed Conflicts is required. A minimum of one year experience in developing trainings and capacity building on Children and Armed Conflict for multidisciplinary audiences is required. Experience in political outreach and coordination with international and regional organizations, relevant Member States, non-governmental organizations and academia is required. Experience in drafting reports, background notes and speeches is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. 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).