Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in Kabul. Kabul is classified as an “E” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Senior Political Affairs Officer who is the head of the secretariat for the Doha process working groups on counternarcotics and the private sector.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Act as a deputy to the head of the secretariat. • Coordinates working groups, including different preparatory activities and meetings with stakeholders and liaise with member states, international organization, international finance institutions, de facto authorities, UN internal and external subject matter and process experts • Reviews and monitors activities in the sector assigned; assesses trends which might affect the work of the secretariat; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations. • Analyses political, economic and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to ASG/USG or Head of Mission. • Coordinate with stakeholders to prepare analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern to the members of the working groups; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials within the scope of work of the secretariat. • Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political, economic and political economy issues of assignment. • Arranges and participates in outreach, negotiations, and fact-finding missions within the scope of work of the secretariat. • Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding the work of the secretariat and makes recommendations on actions to take. • Maintains contacts with other UNAMA sections; sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments as well as Afghan stakeholders on coordination and policy matters in relation to the work of the secretariat and participates in relevant fora; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. • Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise. • 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. • Carries out, in consultation with the head of the secretariat, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget. • Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• 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. • 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. • 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, political economy, diplomacy; international relations, law, economic issues, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in political outreach, facilitation, and advice is required. Strong reporting and analytical skills are required. Experience in supporting a multi-stakeholder political process including national authorities and other national stakeholders as well as member states and international organizations is required Experience working in Afghanistan or the region is desirable. Experience in engaging with domestic actors in the areas of counternarcotics, the private sector, or related fields, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a language spoken in Afghanistan or the region 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 Trust Fund position temporarily available until February 2026.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.