DIRECTOR, POLITICAL AFFAIRS, D2
Overview
The Director, Political Affairs is responsible for the provision of general direction and coordination of the Mission's activities related to political outreach, analysis and reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop the overall political strategic vision and policies in coordination with the Mission's senior leadership.
- Ensure that the SRSG and the Mission’s senior leadership are updated on key political developments and provide options and recommendations.
- Ensure that political information and analysis is routinely available to and integrated into the work of all Mission divisions, sections and offices.
- Guide the Mission's strategic engagement with the national government, bilateral partners and civil society actors.
- Lead the Mission's political affairs efforts towards future reconciliation and transition planning and capacity building of national authorities.
- Review inputs and reports of the Political Affairs Division to ensure synergy and complementarity.
- Manage the preparation of summary and analytical reports, including situation reports, briefing notes, notes to file and code cables.
- Lead the preparation and review of the reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council.
- Oversee the preparation of contextual information materials.
- Establish and ensure an effective system of information management.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with the authorities, political and community leaders, civil society actors, the UN family and other national and international partners.
- Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political challenges.
- Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation.
- Formulate and manage the implementation of the programme of work of the Political Affairs Division.
- Manage related administrative tasks, including preparation of budgets and reporting on budget.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; participate in the selection of new staff.
- Provide strategic guidance to managers in the Political Affairs Division and participate in their evaluation.
Required Experience
At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related field is required. At least five (5) years of management experience is required. Extensive experience in political outreach, analysis, reporting and negotiation in an international setting is required. Experience managing a large multi-functional team or office in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds and programmes) or a comparable international organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Law or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.