Associate Political Affairs Officer

The officer monitors political and peace-and-security developments across the Horn of Africa, analyses regional trends, supports the United Nations partnership with IGAD, advises field counterparts, maintains government and institutional contacts, contributes to missions and prepares data-driven reporting for senior officials.

• Gather and analyse political information on developments across the Horn of Africa
• Monitor national and regional political trends and advise field missions and United Nations agencies
• Provide substantive backstopping for cooperation between IGAD and the United Nations
• Maintain coordination and policy contacts with governments and international organizations
• Maintain structured information on potential disputes and conflicts in assigned countries
• Participate in fact-finding and other missions across the area of responsibility
• Prepare senior-level meetings and produce data-driven political insights and reports

• Advanced university degree in political science, conflict resolution, social sciences, international relations, law or a related field, or bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant experience
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, peace and security or a related field, waived for successful YPP, NCRE or G-to-P candidates
• Experience in political analysis and reporting, preferably concerning Africa or the Horn of Africa
• Ability to support implementation, monitoring and reporting of regional strategies
• English at UN Level II in reading, writing, listening and speaking

• Experience working with subregional organizations, particularly IGAD
• Experience or knowledge of United Nations budget, monitoring and reporting systems

• Political Analysis
• Conflict Analysis
• Political Reporting
• Regional Cooperation
• Diplomatic Liaison
• Peace and Security
• Data Analysis
• Policy Advice

• Temporary appointment limited to the Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa until 31 December 2026
• Role includes fact-finding and other missions within the assigned region