POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the office of the United Nations Representative to the Geneva International Discussions (UNRGID) in Geneva. Geneva is classified as a “H” family duty station. The position involves regular travel and extended stay, as necessary, to the area of responsibility of UNRGID. The Political Affairs Officer will report to the UN Representative/Co-Chair of the Geneva International Discussions through the Officer-in-Charge of UNRGID/ Director of Europe and Central Asia Division (ECAD) of DPPA-DPO and relevant Team Leader/Senior Political Affairs Officer in ECAD.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Works in close cooperation with the team members to effectively contribute and support the implementation of UNRGID’s mandate in the framework of the Geneva International Discussions.
• Provides substantive advice and support to the UN Representative/Co-Chair on all key issues related to the United Nations engagement in the Geneva Discussions and the UN-chaired Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM).
• Closely follows political and operational developments in the region, with a particular focus on political, security and humanitarian issues, with a view to providing early warning.
• Provides political analysis and reporting on political and peace and security-related developments and issues of relevance to the UN mandate and the agenda of the Geneva International Discussions and suggests recommendations on appropriate action.
• Prepares analytical reports and papers, background materials, thematic concept papers, communications and correspondence, including code cables and other documents in support of the UN’s role as the Co-Chair of the Geneva International Discussions and Chair of the IPRM.
• Prepares and organizes UN Representative/Co-Chair visits to the region, both bilateral and joint visits together with the EU and OSCE Co-Chairs in preparation for the official rounds of the Geneva International Discussions.
• Coordinates the preparation of the rounds of the Geneva International Discussions, coordinates with the EU and OSCE counterparts and with UN Office in Geneva on organizational and logistical aspects, prepares briefing materials and summary notes of the meetings.
• Prepares and participates in the meetings of the IPRM. Liaises with the participants of IPRM. Drafts the provisional agenda, summary conclusions, press statements and meeting records, and ensures follow-up on decisions taken.
• Ensures prompt operational liaison with the participants of the IPRM and Geneva International Discussions as well as with EU and OSCE Co-Chairs in response to incidents or other issues requiring Co-Chairs’ attention and action.
• Maintains liaison with local and international actors, in particular the European Union M...