Senior Political Affairs Officer

Leads political analysis and operational planning for United Nations engagement in North Africa, shaping strategies, coordinating complex initiatives and advising senior leadership on peace operations, regional risks and policy options while directing research and staff work.

Department: Northern Africa Division

• Formulate political strategies and policy options for immediate and long-range challenges in North Africa
• Plan integrated political and operational activities with rights-based, conflict-sensitive and gender perspectives
• Coordinate interdepartmental and interagency programmes, projects and missions
• Prepare briefing notes and talking points for senior United Nations leadership
• Design political and peacekeeping initiatives and advise on negotiations and operational plans
• Lead staff, allocate work, mentor team members and support recruitment and training
• Direct research on political, civilian, military and humanitarian developments
• Represent the division at conferences and respond to internal and external queries

• Advanced university degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or a related field, or a first-level degree with two additional years of qualifying experience
• At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or a related area
• Experience supporting United Nations peace operations in political affairs in or on Africa or the Middle East
• Experience in peace and security matters in North Africa or the Middle East
• English at UN Level III in reading, writing, listening and speaking

• Qualified candidates may complete an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview
• Professional-category staff are subject to United Nations mobility requirements