Political Affairs Officer

The Political Affairs Officer supports the implementation of the UNRGID mandate within the Geneva International Discussions framework. The role involves political analysis, reporting, coordination with international partners, and supporting peace and security efforts in the region, particularly focusing on political, security, and humanitarian issues.

Responsibilities

• Contribute and support the implementation of UNRGID’s mandate in the Geneva International Discussions framework.
• Provide substantive advice and support to the UN Representative/Co-Chair on key issues related to the UN engagement in the Geneva Discussions and the UN-chaired Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM).
• Monitor political and operational developments in the region focusing on political, security and humanitarian issues to provide early warning.
• Provide political analysis and reporting on developments relevant to the UN mandate and Geneva International Discussions agenda, suggesting recommendations.
• Prepare analytical reports, background materials, thematic concept papers, communications, and correspondence including code cables.
• Organize and prepare UN Representative/Co-Chair visits to the region, including bilateral and joint visits with EU and OSCE Co-Chairs.
• Coordinate preparation of Geneva International Discussions rounds, liaising with EU, OSCE, and UN Office in Geneva on organizational and logistical aspects.
• Prepare briefing materials and summary notes of meetings.
• Participate in IPRM meetings, liaise with participants, draft agendas, summary conclusions, press statements, and ensure follow-up on decisions.
• Maintain operational liaison with IPRM and Geneva International Discussions participants and Co-Chairs in response to incidents or issues.
• Maintain liaison with local and international actors including EUMM, UN agencies, funds and programmes, and other relevant organizations.
• Serve as mission focal point on assigned cross-cutting policy issues and support budget and policy-related submissions.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.
• Extensive experience in conflict/political analysis and the drafting of analytical reports is required.
• Experience in political outreach, liaison, facilitation, and coordination, including with relevant regional organizations, is required.
• Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting in the field, in a peace operation of the United Nations or other international organizations, is required.
• A minimum of four years of up-to-date experience working on peace and security matters in Eastern Europe, particularly South Caucasus, is required.
• Experience supporting mediation and/or peacebuilding processes is desirable.
• English and Russian language proficiency at UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking is required.

Skills

• Political Analysis
• Conflict Analysis
• Analytical Report Production
• Political Outreach
• Liaison with Regional Organizations
• Facilitation
• Coordination
• Conflict Resolution
• Disarmament
• Security Analysis
• Development Management
• Peace Building Support
• Mediation Support
• Experience in Peace Operations
• Experience in Post-Conflict Situations
• Peace and Security Expertise
• Knowledge of Eastern Europe
• Knowledge of South Caucasus
• English Language Proficiency
• Russian Language Proficiency

Languages

English, Russian