Deadline: 10 March, 2021

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

United Nations (UN) is seeking applications from eligible applicants for the post of Senior Political Affairs Officer.

The United Nations is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations.

Responsibilities

• Identify, analyse and monitor political developments, trends and emerging issues in West Africa and Sahel
• Assess implications and make recommendations to the senior leadership on the impact of developments in the regions in line with the priorities of UNOWAS and ECOWAS
• Develop policy guidance documents and facilitate the mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues for women, youths and civil society organisations in line with the priorities of UNOWAS and ECOWAS, and based on the joint UNOWAS-ECOWAS workplan
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on issues of concern
• Supervise the preparation of summary and analytical reports for the attention of senior leadership, including, but not limited to, situation reports, briefing notes, option papers and code cables
• Lead efforts to coordinate and consolidate inputs for the preparation of reports of the secretary-general to the Security Council, General Assembly or other bodies
• Prepare contextual information materials, such as background notes, political profiles and databases of relevance to West Africa and Sahel regions in collaboration with All ECOWAS directorates and senior leadership
• Monitor and report progress on the joint UNOWAS-ECOWAS annual workplan, and manage information to ensure its accessibility and utility
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with UN common system colleagues and counterparts in the region and at headquarters, government representatives, military and law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions, and other national and regional partners
• Supervise preparations for high level official meetings, events and visits
• Prepare briefing notes, talking points, and other relevant materials
• Participate in and/or lead United Nations missions or meetings on issues related to priorities of UNOWAS and ECOWAS in West Africa and Sahel regions
• Coordinate and oversee work of colleagues and cell

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Social Sciences, International Relations, Law, Public Administration, International Economics, or a related field
• First-level university degree with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
• Ten years, minimum, of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, international relations, or a related field 
• Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting
  
• Experience working in a United Nations system field operations (including peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes)
  
• Work experience related to peace and security issues in West Africa (desirable)

To apply and for more information, click here.

Photo source: Andreas Komodromos