Political Affairs
Welcome to the start of your journey towards becoming a Political Affairs Officer!
Thank you for your interest in the talent pipeline for Political Affairs Officer—a vital role in advancing the UN's mission for peace and security. We are thrilled to guide you through what it means to be a Political Affairs Officer within the UN Secretariat. Read on to discover the responsibilities of the role and the qualifications required to join this talent pipeline.
What does a “Political Affairs Officer” do at the UN?
As a Political Affairs Officer, you will play a crucial role in shaping the UN’s initiatives to address global political challenges within delegated authority. Your responsibilities will involve conducting in-depth analyses, developing strategies, and providing recommendations on complex political issues, using data visualization methods. You need to convey insights and collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders, from member states to civil society, ensuring effective communication and collaboration, along with interpersonal skills, conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Your expertise in identifying and analyzing political, ethnic, racial, social, and economic factors will be key to influencing decision-making processes and fostering stability in regions facing unrest. You need to be proficient in drafting policy papers or political reports and presenting data and recommendations to senior management, ensuring clarity in addressing critical issues. Your expertise in project management, stakeholder collaboration, and strong communication will be essential in identifying and addressing complex political challenges.
Are you ready for this role?
To join the “Political Affairs Officer” talent pipeline, here’s what’s required.
Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programmes in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is an advantage.
Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or a related area. Two years or more of experience in data analytics or a related field is desirable. Experience working with international organizations or intergovernmental bodies is an advantage.
Language: Have at least an intermediate level of English in all four areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Knowledge, skills, and capabilities: You should have strong analytical and research skills, coupled with political awareness, data management, and visualization capabilities, are essential. Ability to identify, analyze, and interpret political, ethnic, racial, social, and economic factors that contribute to civil unrest in specific countries or regions is crucial for supporting decision-making processes. Effective communication and coordination abilities, along with interpersonal skills, conflict resolution and negotiation skills needed to convey insights and collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders. Flexibility and diplomacy vital for navigating complex political and electoral environments. Expertise in drafting policy papers or political reports and presenting data and recommendations to senior management, ensuring clarity in addressing critical issues.
Take the leap—Your future awaits:
You have made an excellent choice in selecting the Political Affairs Officer talent pipeline! Now, it’s time to prepare for the exciting opportunities ahead. The UN Talent Pipeline will equip you with the training, mentorship, and resources needed to excel. However, please remember that this is a capacity-building programme, not a direct job offer.
Participation in the programme does not require any financial commitment from either side. However, once accepted into the talent pipeline, members must fully commit to completing a structured training and capacity-building programme, requiring approximately three to five hours per month over a three to six-month period. The training will include a combination of self-paced learning and instructor-led virtual group webinars. While participation in the programme does not guarantee employment within the UN Secretariat, the skills and knowledge gained through the training may enhance candidates' competitiveness for UN positions.
Apply today to join the talent pipeline and take the next step toward a future where you can make a meaningful impact as a Political Affairs Officer, contributing to the mission of the United Nations.