Special Assistant, Political Affairs

The Special Assistant, Political Affairs provides substantive and practical support to the DSRSG Political in Kabul, Afghanistan. The role involves political analysis, coordination, preparation of briefing materials, and support to mediation and integrated political approaches in a conflict/post-conflict setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide substantive and practical support to the DSRSG; keep the DSRSG informed on all matters requiring attention and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Identify, analyze and monitor developments and emerging issues affecting the Mission's mandate, operations and management; assess implications and make recommendations on policies and strategies.
• Assist the DSRSG with coordination and preparation of briefing notes, notes to file, code cables and memoranda; support implementation and compliance.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Mission components, UN family, donors and partners on policy, management, operational and coordination matters.
• Organize and manage substantive aspects of the DSRSG's meetings, field visits and UNAMA events; prepare written summaries and conduct follow-up activities.
• Support development and implementation of integrated or comprehensive approaches to complex political challenges.
• Support design, implementation, and follow-up of mediation initiatives.
• Assist in formulating and managing the Mission's programme of work including planning and budgetary processes.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Perform other relevant duties as requested by the DSRSG.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or related fields.
• A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and additional two 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 affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution or related field is required.
• Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required.
• Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required.
• A minimum of four years' experience working in the office of a senior public official as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior official is required.
• Experience in supporting senior leadership in the development and implementation of integrated or comprehensive approaches to complex political challenges is desirable.
• Experience in providing mediation support is desirable.
• Experience in Afghanistan is desirable.
• English language proficiency at UN Level III is required.
• Either Dari or Pashto language proficiency at UN Level I is desirable.

Skills

• Political Analysis
• Diplomacy
• Conflict Resolution
• Political Outreach
• Facilitation
• Political Reporting
• Mediation Support
• Supporting Senior Leadership
• Integrated Political Approaches
• Briefing Material Preparation
• Field Experience in Conflict Settings
• Experience in Post-Conflict Situations

Languages

English, Dari, Pashto