Political Affairs Officer, Brussels

Org. Setting and ReportingThe mandate and work of the Office derives from General Assembly resolution 51/77 and subsequent General Assembly resolutions, as well as successive Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict. This position is located in the Brussels Liaison Office of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG). The incumbent reports to the Under-Secretary-General (USG), Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC) through the Special Assistant of the SRSG-CAAC.

ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of Staff to the USG, SRSG-CAAC, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: \u2022 Establishes and maintains working relationships with Member States, United Nations (UN) offices, European Union institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in Brussels and Geneva and other partners such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) in order to mainstream CAAC concerns into the work of those entities or organizations. \u2022 Reviews and monitors the implementation of recommendations related to CAAC from intergovernmental bodies based in Brussels, Geneva, Vienna and Strasbourg and ensures regular update of the OSRSG-CAAC. \u2022 Analyses and disseminates information on the situation of children and armed conflict received from the United Nations Headquarters-based (UNHQ-based) office in a timely and strategic manner to entities based in Brussels, Geneva, Vienna and Strasbourg. \u2022 Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile matters related to CAAC issues to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials. \u2022 Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies as required. \u2022 Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues regarding CAAC taking place in Brussels, Geneva, Vienna and Strasbourg. \u2022 Provides up-to-date information to the OSRSG-CAAC at UNHQ in New York regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to be taken. \u2022 Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments in Brussels, and Geneva, Vienna and Strasbourg on coordination and policy matters, briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations. \u2022 Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to CAAC issues. \u2022 Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget of the Brussels liaison office. \u2022 Drafts plans for the growth of operations of the Brussels liaison office and participates in the activities of implementation. \u2022 Develops and maintains key strategic partnerships with donors including leading and developing, fundraising and outreach. \u2022 Performs other related duties as required.

CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of human rights monitoring, analysis and reporting and familiarity with child protection issues in conflict or post-conflict settings. Knowledge of the working modalities of the institutions of the European Union, as well as of the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Human Rights Council. Knowledge of peacekeeping, conflict and post-conflict contexts. Highly developed communication skills in particular, strong written and oral presentation skills. Ability to engage constructively and proactively while using tact and discretion with a diverse range of UN, NGO, governmental and non-state actors and to present sensitive issues and positions. 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others\u2019 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. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

EducationAn advanced university degree (Master\u2019s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related field is required. A first-level university degree in the specified fields of studies in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific QualificationNot available.

Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, diplomacy, law, disarmament, security, conflict resolution or related area is required. A minimum of five years of experience in working with the European Union, the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Security Council, and the United Nations Human Rights Council on child protection in conflict or post-conflict settings is required. A minimum of four years of experience working with the United Nations Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict is required. A minimum of three years of experience in managing an Office and team, including responsibility for human resources and budgets, is required. Experience in developing trainings and capacity building on children and armed conflict for a multidisciplinary audience is required. Experience in drafting reports and in writing speeches for high-level officials is desirable.

LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Either Arabic or Spanish is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).