Responsibilities

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

Political Analysis and Advice
-Identify, analyze, monitor and report on political developments, trends and emerging issues in the six provinces of the Central Region, in line with UNAMA's mandate;
-Undertake research on key issues, events and developments in the area of responsibility.
-Assess implications and make recommendations to the Head of Field Office on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives.

Reporting and Information Management
-Prepare summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, situation reports, briefing notes, options papers, code cables and input for the reports of the Field Office to UNAMA Headquarters or other bodies.
-Prepare contextual information materials, such as background notes, political profiles and input into databases of relevance to the assigned portfolio;
-Manage information to ensure its accessibility and utility.

Planning, Coordination and Facilitation
-Participate fully in assigned operational activities related to the political work of the Field Office, including field missions
-Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with UN Common System colleagues and counterparts, political and community leaders, civil society actors, academic and research institutions, and other partners on UNAMA mandated activities, information-sharing and coordination matters.
-Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives; Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation of UNAMA's mandate.
-Support preparations for official meetings, events and visits, including through drafting agendas, talking points and background papers; Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and assist with follow-up activities, as appropriate.

Management/Administration
-Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the unit's programme of work.
-Support planning and budgetary processes for current and future field operations as required, including the management of outreach initiatives and other mandate-related activities; Coach, mentor and evaluate staff.

Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in Political Science, Management or Development, or related field. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is an asset.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or related field is required.

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

Experience in facilitating confidence-building, conflict management and reconciliation/local peace initiatives in conflict or post-conflict contexts, emergencies or complex environments is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a language spoken in Afghanistan and /or the region is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.