Vacancy at United Nation Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

Position: SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Job Time: Full-Time

Job Type: Contract

Place of Work: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Application Deadline: April, 17/2023

Organization Setting and Reporting

This position is based in Addis Ababa. The Special Assistant will report directly to the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG).

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, and under the guidance of the Head of Office, the Special Assistant will support the Head of Office in the execution of her duties:

Coordination and Facilitation;

Provide substantive and practical support to the SRSG in implementing the Missions Mandate;

Keep the SRSG informed on all matters requiring her personal attention, handled, and ensure appropriate follow-up, as directed;

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with the office components, the African Union and the broader UN family, donors and other national and international partners on coordination and policy matters;

Organize and manage the SRSG meetings and Mission events, prepare written summaries and conduct follow-up activities as appropriate;

Coordinate/draft correspondence for the SRSG's signature.

Political Analysis, Advice and Reporting- identify, analyze and monitor political developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the Mission's mandate;

Asses implications and make recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives;

Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation: coordinate/draft summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, situation reports, briefing notes, notes to file, code cables and input for reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council. Management - Assist in formulating and managing the implementation of the Office's programme of work, including support to planning and budgetary processes;

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff

Participate in the selection of new staff.

Competencies

Professionalism: In-depth understanding of, and an ability to evaluate international political situations in Africa; thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures of the United Nations; knowledge of the African Union peace and security architecture; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of peace operations

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 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. Judgment/Decision-making - Identifies the key issues in a complex situation and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; and, makes tough decisions when necessary.

 Job Requirements

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social science, economics, law, public Administration or related fields. 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, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related area is required.

Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required.

Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds and programmes); or similar international organizations or non-governmental organizations - in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required.

Experience in AUC matters with a significant work experience in Africa is required.

Previous experience working in the office of a senior public official as a Special Assistant is desirable.

Languages 

Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Written and spoken knowledge of French language is highly desirable. Knowledge of any other UN language is desirable

How to Apply

Register using the following LINK