Posting Title: SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS, P4 (Temporary Job Opening)
Job Code Title: SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Department/Office: Office Of The Special Envoy Of The Secretary-General On The Great Lakes Region
Duty Station: NAIROBI
Posting Period: 14 May 2019 – 27 May 2019
Job Opening Number: 19-Political Affairs-SESG-116885-J-Nairobi (R)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organisational Setting and Reporting
This position is in the Office of the Special Envoy of The Secretary-General for the Great Lakes in Nairobi.
Nairobi is classified as a “B” hardship duty station and a family duty station.
The incumbent reports directly to the Special Envoy.
This is a Temporary Job Opening. The selected candidate will serve for a period through 31 December 2019 with a possibility of extension.
In February 2013, 11 nations signed the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the region, in a renewed drive to end the recurring cycles of devastating conflict in eastern DRC which impacts stability and development in the Great Lakes area of Africa. On 31 January 2014, two more countries, Kenya and Sudan, became signatories of the PSC Framework. The framework aims to help “address the root causes of conflict and put an end to recurring cycles of violence” in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes Region. In its Resolution 2098 (2013), the Security Council welcomed the signing of the PSC Framework. It called on the Special Envoy, in coordination with the Special Representative for the DRC to “lead, coordinate and assess the implementation of national and regional commitments under the PSC Framework, including through the establishment of benchmarks and appropriate follow-up measures”.
The Security Council further encouraged the Special Envoy to “lead a comprehensive political process that includes all relevant stakeholders to address the underlying root causes of the conflict”.
Responsibilities
Within limits of delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Special Envoy – O/SESG-GL Nairobi: , the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties:
- Provides specialized advice and support to the Special Envoy in carrying out his duties, including identifying, analyzing and monitoring regional developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the Mission’s mandate.
- Brings to the attention of the Special Envoy all matters requiring his personal attention, makes recommendations on how those matters might be handled, and ensures appropriate follow-up, as directed.
- As requested, handles incoming and outgoing correspondence of the Special Envoy and coordinates travels and official engagements in close consultation with Mission focal points.
- Liaises and maintains close working relationships with officials of state institutions, political parties. Civil society organizations, religious actors.
- Prepares Talking Points, Meeting Notes, and draft reports on the SESG engagements in close coordination and consultation with relevant focal points.
- Coordinates, as required, actions related to the transition towards the United Nations agency-led commitment, depending on the mission’s mandate and the situation in the country concerned. This includes liaising with bilateral donors and other international organizations, with a view to realizing greater synergy and coordination, specifically regarding post-mission activities in the country.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Posting Title: SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS, P4 (Temporary Job Opening)
Job Code Title: SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Department/Office: Office Of The Special Envoy Of The Secretary-General On The Great Lakes Region
Duty Station: NAIROBI
Posting Period: 14 May 2019 – 27 May 2019
Job Opening Number: 19-Political Affairs-SESG-116885-J-Nairobi (R)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organisational Setting and Reporting
This position is in the Office of the Special Envoy of The Secretary-General for the Great Lakes in Nairobi.
Nairobi is classified as a “B” hardship duty station and a family duty station.
The incumbent reports directly to the Special Envoy.
This is a Temporary Job Opening. The selected candidate will serve for a period through 31 December 2019 with a possibility of extension.
In February 2013, 11 nations signed the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the region, in a renewed drive to end the recurring cycles of devastating conflict in eastern DRC which impacts stability and development in the Great Lakes area of Africa. On 31 January 2014, two more countries, Kenya and Sudan, became signatories of the PSC Framework. The framework aims to help “address the root causes of conflict and put an end to recurring cycles of violence” in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes Region. In its Resolution 2098 (2013), the Security Council welcomed the signing of the PSC Framework. It called on the Special Envoy, in coordination with the Special Representative for the DRC to “lead, coordinate and assess the implementation of national and regional commitments under the PSC Framework, including through the establishment of benchmarks and appropriate follow-up measures”.
The Security Council further encouraged the Special Envoy to “lead a comprehensive political process that includes all relevant stakeholders to address the underlying root causes of the conflict”.
Responsibilities
Within limits of delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Special Envoy – O/SESG-GL Nairobi: , the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties:
- PROFESSIONALISM: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows
ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. 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.
- PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
- 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.
- 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, international relations or Development, or a related field. A first- level university degree with a combination of two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related area. Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. Experience working in the United Nations common system (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes)-or similar international organization or non-governmental organization-in field missions or in post-conflict development settings are 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 or in an intergovernmental liaison or advisory position is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This is a Temporary Job Opening for which the selected candidate will serve for a period through 31 December 2019 with a possibility of extension.
- This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2019 with a possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
- While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
- Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
- This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
- Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
- Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
More Information
- Job City Nairobi
