Posting Title:     Political Affairs Officer, P4 (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Code Title: Political Affairs Officer

Department/Office:      Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa

Duty Station:     Addis Ababa

Posting Period: 04 February 2020 - 18 February 2020

Job Opening Number:  20-Political Affairs-OSE HOA-131044-J-Addis Ababa (M)

Staffing Exercise              N/A

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org Setting and Reporting

This post is in the Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa. The Political Affairs Officer works under the direct supervision of the Principal Political Affairs Officer.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Leads and organizes operational activities related to the work of the office and the implementation of Implementation of the Regional Strategy for the Horn of Africa (RSHoA)

•Support the implementation of the mandate of the office in relation to its work with IGAD, RSHoA and other regional institutions

•Maintain up to date knowledge of events relating to political issues in general, and in particular as they affect the Horn of Africa and provides guidance and advise as it relates to UN engagement with

IGAD, the AU and lead agencies of the RSHoA

•Monitors developments at national and regional level in the Horn of Africa region and provides inputs as required

•Develops and maintains relations with IGAD member states and other Stakeholders at the working levels to ensure open communication channels with the office

•Prepares and reviews briefing notes, talking points for the Special Envoy and other senior staff

•Provides guidance and advises on assigned issues under consideration of the Intergovernmental Authority including the status of peace processes, approach to various issues and interpretation of

various decisions

•Develops and maintains close working relations with UN Offices in the Horn of Africa, other organizations working in the Horn of Africa region on coordination and policy matters

•Supports the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the United Nations, IGAD and African Union in the area of peace and security and maintains close working relations with other UN field

presences.

•Supports the Special Envoy in his/her good offices functions, as necessary

•Performs other related duties as required

Competencies

Professionalism

Professionalism: Shows ability to complete in depth studies and reach conclusion on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to various issues in perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programs 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.

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.

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 degree) in political science, international relations, international economic, 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, humanitarian affairs, conflict resolution or related area is required

Experience working on peace and security issues in Africa and with the African Union or RECs particularly in the Horn of Africa is desirable

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) and working knowledge of French is required; knowledge of any local language in the region is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2020. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
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• • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
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• • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
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• • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
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• • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
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• • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.