This post is located in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). The Political Affairs Officer reports directly to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Head of Mission.


Job description
Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG)/Head of Mission, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Supports the SRSG in advancing the Mission’s operational, strategic, and policy priorities, and provides substantive advice on organizational effectiveness, interdepartmental coordination, and donor or institutional relations.
• Monitors political and related developments in the context of the Mission’s regional peace and security mandate; assesses trends that might affect the political situation and their implications; and provides up-to-date information and reporting, with recommendations on possible actions, strategies, and other measures to address issues of concern and advance mandated objectives.
• Prepares and reviews analytical reports, research, and related documentation, including background papers, briefing notes, speeches, statements, and talking points relevant to the SRSG’s portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment, clarity, and impact.
• Participates in conferences, seminars, and academic fora related to the assigned area of expertise, providing feedback and reporting as appropriate.
• Develops and maintains working-level contacts and relations with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations, and government counterparts; briefs representatives and provides suggestions and recommendations as appropriate.
• Provides substantive support to the SRSG by drafting and coordinating high-level correspondence, monitoring and following up on the implementation of decisions and priorities set by the SRSG, supporting internal coordination and mission planning, and drafting or compiling major components and issues relevant to the Mission.
• Pursues an integrated approach that incorporates a rights-based dimension, conflict-prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into policy, planning, and Mission operational activities.
• Maintains close working relations with the relevant Resident Coordinator Offices and UN country teams, building synergies and complementarities with regional partners, in particular ECOWAS, in support of the SRSG’s activities and missions.
• Assists in conducting stakeholder analyses to build and maintain a database for understanding the relationship dynamics of various national actors and stakeholders in the assigned area of the sub-region, including civil society actors and political party representatives.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, law, public administration, or related field is required.
• 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.
• A minimum of seven years of relevant, progressively responsible professional experience including in political science, international relations, law, public administration, programme management and/or strategic planning processes in peace consolidation settings or related field is required.
• At least two years of experience in a field mission or working with UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes is desirable.
• Work experience in West Africa or the Sahel is desirable.
• Work experience in diplomatic missions or embassies is desirable.