Political Affairs Officer – UNITAMS
Job Description
| Department/Office: | United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan |
| Posting Title: | Political Affairs Officer |
| Level: | NO-C (Fixed-Term) |
| Organizational Unit: | Kadugli Regional Office |
| Duty Station: | Kadugli |
| Issuing Date: | 14/12/2021 |
| Closing Date: | 13/01/2022 |
Important note: UNITAMS will only accept properly completed and signed Personal History Form (P.11) received before the closing date. Please submit your application on the attached P.11 ONLY. Other UN P.11 formats, incomplete P.11, CV, and Resume will not be accepted, nor will late submissions after the closing date.
The selected candidate will be expected to deploy in time to commence work as soon as possible.
Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer if selected, subject to clearance of employment reference checks, security, and medical. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. In this context, all staff is expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.
This position is locally recruited open for Sudanese nationals only. UNITAMS will not provide accommodation to locally recruited staff.
UNITAMS is the equal employer for men and women. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The position is located in the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS). The United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2524 (2020) authorizing the mandate of UNITAMS which is to assist the political transition, progress towards democratic governance, in the protection and promotion of human rights, and sustainable peace; support peace processes and implementation of future peace agreements; assist peacebuilding, civilian protection, and rule of law, in particular in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan (the Two Areas) and Darfur; and support the mobilization of economic and development assistance and coordination of humanitarian assistance.
The position is based in Kadugli and is located in the Kadugli Regional Office. The incumbent will report to the Head of Office.
Responsibilities
Within the limits of delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for performing the following duties:
- Participates fully in assigned operational activities related to implementation of UNITAMS mandate in support of the political transition, peace-making, peacebuilding; supports an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit.
- Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Head of the Office and other senior staff. As requested, provides guidance and advice on assigned issues to the Head of Office, supports negotiations. Prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties and manages operations involving several components of a limited nature, such as civilian, military or humanitarian operations.
- Develops and maintains relations with government officials, tribal leaders, civil society, women’s groups, armed movements, and other stakeholders at the working levels and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern.
- Participates as a member of a team dealing with a variety of political issues in a region related to UNITAMS mandate. Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. Represents the team at round tables, seminars, and conferences.
- Supports his/her supervisor in the formulation of the work programme, budget and medium-term plans of the unit by participating in meetings and compiling or researching issues related to the mission.
- Performs other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Management or Development, or a related field. A first-level university degree with a combination of 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 (05) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or related area.
Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Fluency in Arabic is required.
UN CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social, and economic problems. Extensive knowledge of the political dynamics in Sudan, including local dynamics, as well as those related to the peace process. Shows pride in work and 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.
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 the client.
Assessment:
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written assessment followed by a competency-based interview.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Applicants must accurately complete, sign and date the attached United Nations Personal History form (P.11) ONLY and forward the duly completed signed P.11 by e-mail to: [email protected]
- Applicants should COPY UNITAMS-JO-Kadugli-2021-56–Political Affairs Officer in the SUBJECT line of the email when submitting their signed P.11 form. UNITAMS will not consider any applications which are not received directly in the VA mailbox. Other UN P.11 formats and incomplete P.11 will not be accepted.
- (Download the P11 form here and the supplementary sheets here)
- Please note that any information provided on the P.11 form will be considered binding.
- The selected candidates will be subject to a reference checks to verify the accuracy of the information provided in the P.11 form.
- Only applicants who are short-listed will receive an acknowledgement within two weeks from the deadline indicated on the VA.
Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply
United Nations Considerations:
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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.
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