Special Assistant, Political Affairs,
Juba, South Sudan
UNMISS - United Nations Mission in South Sudan
Closing date: Friday, 15 December 2017
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Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the SRSG and within the limits of delegated authority, the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties:
•Provides specialised advice and technical support to the SRSG/Principal Advisor to the SRSG in identifying, analysing and monitoring political developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the Mission's mandate.
•Identifies, analyses, monitors and reports on political developments and emerging issues with respect to the South Sudan peace process and their impact on the implementation of the mission’s mandate.
•Brings to the attention of the SRSG all matters requiring the SRSG’s personal attention, assists in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled, and ensures appropriate follow-up, as directed.
•Liaises and maintains collaborative relationships with national authorities, regional authorities, and other national and international partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political challenges, in pursuit of mandated objectives.
•As requested, handles incoming and outgoing correspondence of the SRSG.
•Drafts correspondence for the SRSG’s signature, as well as other documentation including code cables and reports to the Security Council.
•Plans, organizes and manages conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops as directed by the SRSG.
•Performs other duties, as assigned.
Competencies•Provides specialised advice and technical support to the SRSG/Principal Advisor to the SRSG in identifying, analysing and monitoring political developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the Mission's mandate.
•Identifies, analyses, monitors and reports on political developments and emerging issues with respect to the South Sudan peace process and their impact on the implementation of the mission’s mandate.
•Brings to the attention of the SRSG all matters requiring the SRSG’s personal attention, assists in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled, and ensures appropriate follow-up, as directed.
•Liaises and maintains collaborative relationships with national authorities, regional authorities, and other national and international partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political challenges, in pursuit of mandated objectives.
•As requested, handles incoming and outgoing correspondence of the SRSG.
•Drafts correspondence for the SRSG’s signature, as well as other documentation including code cables and reports to the Security Council.
•Plans, organizes and manages conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops as directed by the SRSG.
•Performs other duties, as assigned.
Professionalism: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. 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.
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.
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.
EducationCommunication: 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.
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.
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Management or Development, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional training in the areas of planning, facilitation and/or coordination is an asset.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related area is required. Extensive experience in political outreach, strategic planning, facilitation, and reporting is required. Experience in providing analytical advice on legal developments 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 nongovernmental organization-in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. Experience providing strategic analysis to senior leadership is required. Previous experience working in the office of a senior public official and/or as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior public official is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.