United Nations Special Assistant, Political Affairs Jobs in Kenya

United Nations Special Assistant, Political Affairs Jobs in Kenya


Org. Setting and Reporting

  • In February 2013, 11 nations signed the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the region, in a renewed drive to end the recurring cycles of devastating conflict in eastern DRC which impacts stability and development in the Great Lakes area of Africa.

  • On 31 January 2014, two more countries, Kenya and Sudan became signatories of the PSC Framework. The framework aims to help "address the root causes of conflict and put an end to recurring cycles of violence" in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes Region. In its Resolution 2098 (2013), the Security Council welcomed the signing of the PSC Framework. It called on the Special Envoy, in coordination with the Special Representative for the DRC to "lead, coordinate and assess the implementation of national and regional commitments under the PSC Framework, including through the establishment of benchmarks and appropriate follow-up measures".

  • The Security Council further encouraged the Special Envoy to "lead a comprehensive political process that includes all relevant stakeholders to address the underlying root causes of the conflict".

  • This position is in the Office of the Special Envoy of The Secretary-General for the Great Lakes in Nairobi and the selected candidate will report directly to the Special Envoy in consultation with the Senior Political Affairs Officer in the Front Office.

  • Nairobi is classified as a "B" hardship duty station and a family duty station.

    Responsibilities

  • Within limits of delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Special Envoy, the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties:

  • Providing specialized advice and support to the Special Envoy in carrying out his duties, including identifying, analyzing, and monitoring regional developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the Mission's mandate.

  • Bringing to the attention of the Special Envoy all matters requiring his personal attention, makes recommendations on how those matters might be handled and ensures appropriate follow-up as directed.

  • Preparing Talking Points, Meeting Notes, and draft reports on the Special Envoy's engagements, in close coordination and consultation with relevant focal points;

  • Participating in and contributing to the activities and tasks of the OSESG-GL Working Group on the implementation of the regional Strategy and its Action Plan.

  • Pending definite arrangements, (i) providing interpretation for the SESG's engagements; (ii) Managing the Special Envoy's social media presence.

  • As requested, handling incoming and outgoing correspondence of the Special Envoy and coordinates travels and official engagements in close consultation with Mission focal points.

  • Liaising and maintaining close working relationships with officials of State Institutions, Political Parties, Civil Society Organizations and Religious Actors, bilateral and other international partners.

  • Performing other related duties as required.

    Competencies

  • Professionalism: 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    Education

  • Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) 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.

    Work Experience

  • A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs,
    international development, conflict resolution, or related field is required.

  • Experience working in political, development and humanitarian issues is required.

  • Previous experience working in the office of a senior public official as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior public official is required.

  • Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of
    peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) - or similar
    international organization or non-governmental organization - in a conflict or post-conflict
    setting is desired.

  • Experience working in or on the Great Lakes region, notably on political issues, is desired.

    Languages

  • English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in French and English (oral and written) is required.

    How to Apply

  • For more information and job application details, see; United Nations Special Assistant, Political Affairs Jobs in Kenya


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