POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan (OPESG-SUDAN) lead good offices and political engagement with Sudanese, regional and international stakeholders to enhance efforts to end the Sudan conflict and relaunch a credible political process, aiming for greater coherence, coordination and integration of the various mediation initiatives. This position is located in the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (PESG) for Sudan, based in Addis Ababa. The Political Affairs Officer will report to the Principal Political Affairs Officer (Head of Office). ResponsibilitiesWithin the limits of delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for performing the following duties: • Gathers, selects and analyses information on Sudan contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press. • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues as they affect Sudan and the mandate of the Personal Envoy. • Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in OPESG and elsewhere in the Secretariat. • Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice to field mission/United Nations (UN) agencies active on the ground. Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of the mandates of the office. • 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 organizations, government and non-governmental organizations. • Selects, classifies and stores in computerized databases information relating to assigned responsibilities. • Arranges and participates in fact-finding missions, as relevant. • Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise. • Prepares meetings of senior leadership; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence on Sudan. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Strong knowledge and understanding of the UN's role in preventive diplomacy, good offices, mediation and conflict resolution; Strong understanding of political and security dynamics in Sudan and the region; Ability to evaluate political situations and challenges and to build effective relations with key stakeholders to identify appropriate solutions; Ability to draft quickly and well, edit and produce cogent analysis of political, social, and economic events and to maintain a dynamic reporting effort. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' 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 and 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social science, economics, law, public administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. A minimum of two years of field experience in a UN peace operation or a similar international organization is required. Experience working in Africa is required. Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. A minimum of three years of experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. Experience supporting good offices or mediation efforts as part of a political or peace process is required. Experience working on peace and security issues in Sudan is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).