United Nations Office to the African Union is Looking for a Special Assistant-Political Affairs: Apply!

Job Opening ID: 221303

Job Network : Paix et questions politiques et humanitaires

Job Family : Political Affairs

Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-4
Duty Station : ADDIS ABABA

Department/Office : United Nations Office to the African Union

Date Posted : Nov 9, 2023

Deadline : Dec 11, 2023

This position is based in Addis Ababa. The Special Assistant will report directly to the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG).

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, under the guidance of the SRSG and close collaboration with the Chief of Staff, the Special Assistant will support the SRSG in the execution of his duties:

• Coordination and Facilitation – Provide substantive and practical support to the SRSG in implementing the UNOAU Mandate; Keep the SRSG informed on all matters requiring his personal attention, handled, and ensure appropriate follow-up, as directed; Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with the office components, the African Union and the broader UN family, donors and other national and international partners on coordination and policy matters; Organize and manage the SRSG meetings and Office events, prepare written summaries and conduct follow-up activities as appropriate; Coordinate/draft correspondence for the SRSG’s signature.
• Political Analysis, Advice and Reporting – Identify, analyze and monitor political developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the Mission’s mandate: Assess implications and make recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives: Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation: coordinate/draft summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, situation reports, briefing notes, notes to file, code cables and input for reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Management – Assist in formulating and managing the implementation of the Office’s programme of work, including support to planning and budgetary processes. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff. Participate in the selection of new staff.

Competencies

• Professionalism: In-depth understanding of, and an ability to evaluate international political situations in Africa; thorough knowledge of the practices and procedures of the United Nations; knowledge of the African Union peace and security architecture; ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management; 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 the 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.
• Judgment/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

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Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social science, economics, law, public administration, or related fields.
• A first-level or advanced degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in any fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree in the specified fields of studies.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

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, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting 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 organizations or non-governmental organizations – in a conflict or post conflict setting is required.
• Experience in African Union Commission (AUC) matters with significant work experience in Africa 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. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• For the position(s) advertised, fluency in both English and French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Apply for the United Nations Office to the African Union is Looking for a Special Assistant-Political Affairs: Apply!