Principal Political Affairs Officer

Job purpose: The Principal Political Affairs Officer serves as the senior advisor to the Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, addressing complex political and managerial issues. This role is crucial in monitoring mandate implementation, providing strategic and substantive advice, and acting as a key liaison between DPPA, other UN departments, agencies, and external partners. The officer supports the USG in strengthening DPPA's capacity as the UN's political arm, advancing the Secretary-General's reform agenda, prioritizing prevention and sustaining peace, and ensuring integrated political, strategic, and operational responsibilities. Managerially, the role assists the USG in achieving human resources, financial management, and communication targets, overseeing office operations and information sharing across the peace and security pillar.

Responsibilities: Serve as the senior advisor to the Under-Secretary-General (USG) on political and managerial matters, monitoring mandate implementation and providing substantive and managerial guidance. Maintain liaison between DPPA and other Secretariat departments, specialized agencies, Special Political Missions, and the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. Coordinate with relevant divisions, offices, and teams reporting to the USG, as well as other entities within the peace and security pillar and the broader UN system. Advance the implementation of reform and change management initiatives. Assist the USG in fulfilling responsibilities as Head of Department and UN focal point for mediation, prevention, electoral assistance, peacebuilding, and sustaining peace by supporting strategic planning and partnerships. Provide advice on managerial and substantive issues, including DPPA's input into senior appointments. Represent the Office and Department in inter-departmental meetings and working groups.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in political science, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted as an alternative. Work experience: A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in diplomacy, policy-making, management, or executive direction at senior levels is required. Experience in managing and supervising teams, and in programmatic/strategic planning or guidance is also mandatory. Experience monitoring political activities and making recommendations for conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution, as well as supporting senior officials in front-office settings, are desirable.

Skills: Professionalism, Teamwork, Accountability, Leadership, Judgement & Decision Making, Diplomacy, Policy Making, Management, Strategic Planning, Conflict Prevention, Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Communication, Interpersonal Skills, UN System Knowledge. Required languages: English Desired languages: French