Political Affairs Officer – DRC Full Time

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Kinshasa. Kinshasa is classified as a “C” hardship duty station and is a family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Senior Special Assistant to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

Responsibilities

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

• Supports the daily functioning of the Office of the SRSG, including through the preparation of substantive briefings, meetings, the drafting of Talking Points, note-taking, liaison with other relevant offices, and supporting the planning and substantive preparation of official engagements by the SRSG.
• Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the DRC and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible.
• 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.
• Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandate.
• 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.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, 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

Required experience:
– A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area.

Desired experience:
– Experience in providing direct support to a Senior United Nations Official, or in supporting the work of the Senior Mission Leadership in a United Nations peace operation.
– Experience in supporting mission planning and management processes.
– Experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or in the Central African region.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Special Notice

This “Recruit from Roster” job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

To apply, please follow the link provided.