Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Political Affairs Officer will be based in Kabul. 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. Kabul is classified as an “E” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Political Analysis and Advice Identify, analyze, monitor and report on political developments, trends and emerging issues on the national level, in line with UNAMA’s mandate and in support of the working groups – Assess implications and make recommendations on possible strategies and other approaches to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives within the scope of work of the secretariat. Reporting and Information Management – Coordinate with stakeholders to prepare analytical reports and papers on 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. – Prepare contextual information materials, such as background notes, political profiles and input into databases of relevance to the assigned portfolio. – Manage information to ensure its accessibility and utility. Planning, Coordination and Facilitation – Participate fully in political outreach efforts including field missions within the scope of work of the secretariat – Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with UN Common System colleagues and counterparts, political and community leaders, civil society actors, academic and research institutions, and other partners on the mandated activities, information-sharing and coordination matters of the secretariat. – Support senior staff in terms of coordination of different preparatory activities and meetings with stakeholders for the working groups and liaise as needed with member states, international organizations, international finance institutions, de facto authorities, UN internal and external subject matter of process experts. – Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans of action – Support preparations for official meetings, events and visits, including through drafting agendas, talking points and background papers; prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and assist with follow-up activities, as appropriate, within the scope of work of the secretariat. Management/Administration – Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the secretariat’s programme of work. – Support planning and budgetary processes in relation to the work of the secretariat as required. Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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. 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in in political science, international relations, social sciences, law, public administration, or 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. Professional training in political analysis is an asset.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or related field is required. Experience in political outreach, facilitation and analysis are required. Excellent drafting and reporting skills are required. Experience in supporting dialogue and mediation processes or facilitating confidence-building, conflict management and reconciliation/local peace initiatives in conflict or post-conflict contexts, emergencies or complex environments is 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 desirable 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. Fluency in both written and oral English is required. Knowledge of a language spoken in Afghanistan and /or the region is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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.