Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Reviews and monitors activities in the East Africa and Indian Ocean regions;assess developments and trends which might affect the political situation in the region or in the countries in the region, and recommend solutions and possible action by the United Nations.

• Develops, plans and implement projects in support of peace and security in the region, in coordination with other UN entities and national stakeholders;

• Maintains close contact and strong relations with the East African Community and the Indian Ocean Commission, and work to deepen these relationships through joint initiatives and activities;

• Analyzes political and related events within the assigned area with a view to providing early warning advice to senior officials;

• Prepares analytical reports and papers on the situation in the region and matters of concern for senior UN officials;

• Coordinates and liaises with the other UN presences in the region as needed, and provide substantive support for senior UN officials visiting the countries of the East Africa region, as requested and appropriate; liaise with stakeholders in countries in the region, including with representatives of Governments, national institutions, regional and sub-regional organizations, civil society organizations, partners and other actors, with a view to strengthening regional and national peacebuilding and conflict prevention capacities;

• Prepares inputs for the Secretary-General's reports to the Security Council and the General Assembly, notes, background papers, talking points and speeches;

•Arranges and participates in mediation, peacebuilding and fact-finding missions.

Competencies

• Professionalism Identifies problems, i.e., political, ethnic, racial, social, economic, etc., causing unrest in a country or geographic area; good analytical, research and

negotiating skills. 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.

• 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 & 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.

Education

Work Experience

Languages