Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Social Innovation and Special Projects Team (SISPT), Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) within the Policy, Evaluation and Training Division (DPET) in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Team Leader of the Social Innovation and Special Projects Team (SISPT). The incumbent assists in the implementation of the main objectives and workstreams of the SISPT. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment 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 intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations. • Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility. • Participates in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Works directly with uniformed personnel and communities on social service projects. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, development studies, social work or social innovation, 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. 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 is required. A minimum of one year UN peacekeeping mission experiences working directly with uniformed personnel and demonstratable understanding of Civil-Military coordination is required. Experience in working with troop and or police contributing countries is required. Two years or more of experience in training design, development and/or delivery is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French 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).