Political Affairs Officer

This position is located in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Political Affairs Officer will be based in Herat and reports to the Head of Office, Herat. Herat is classified as an "E" hardship duty station and a non-family duty station.

**Responsibilities**:
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

- Leads and organizes operational activities related to the work of the office or mission, i.e., conflict prevention and resolution, election administration, political and governance institution-building, civil society support work, etc.; pursues an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit.
- Prepares and reviews briefing notes, talking points and analytical reports for the Senior Political Affairs Officer, Head of Mission and other senior staff.
- Provides guidance and advice on assigned issues to the head of mission concerning assigned areas of work, prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties and manages operations involving several components of a limited nature, such as civilian, military or humanitarian operations.
- Responds to requests for information from the Joint Analysis and Reporting Section in respect to Daily and Fortnightly reports as well as providing regional specific analytical commentary on cross cutting issues.
- Develops and maintains relations with government officials and non-government actors, including civil society, tribal elders, youth, women, political actors and parties and other stakeholders at the working levels and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern.
- Attends meetings to identify the scope of the project, considers methodologies, and leads or actively participates in developing guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new assignments.
- Assists in planning, coordinating, and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation.
- Leads a team which deals with a variety of political issues in a region including serving as an FRO for the political team.
- Represents the team at round tables, seminars, and conferences.
- Provides substantive support to his/her supervisor in the formulation of the programme of work, budget, and medium-term plan of the unit by actively participating in or leading meetings, drafting major components and compiling or researching issues related to the mission.
- Assists in the development and implementation of local peace initiatives and outreach projects.
- Serves as OIC Head of Office in the absence of the substantive Head of Office and Area Security Coordinator
- Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
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.

Education
Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field. A first level university degree with a combination of two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.

Experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required.

Excellent drafting and reporting skills are required.

Experience in development and implementing outreach/local peace initiatives, including management of related budgets, is required.

Experience in leading and managing a team is required.

Experience working with senior Government officials on conflict resolution, dialogues, humanitarian access and mediation is desirable.

Experience in engaging with state and non-state armed groups is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Kno