Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC). The incumbent reports to the Head of the UNOCC Watch Room. The UNOCC is a multi-party entity reporting to the USG for Policy in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and, on peacekeeping matters, to the USG for Peace Operations. The UNOCC also receives strategic oversight from a Client Board of principals from each of the client entities.
The UNOCC provides global situational awareness, crisis and risk management, as well as facilitates cross-pillar analysis and decision-making in the UN. The Centre is operationally positioned under the Office of Coordination and Shared Services (OCSS) between the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations.
Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Associate Political Affairs Officer is responsible for the following specific duties: • Monitors political-security, humanitarian, human rights and other relevant developments in peacekeeping, peace-building, special political mission and non-mission settings. • Gathers and interprets information from a variety of sources, including internet-based open source media, field mission reports and information from member states.
• Tracks the overall security situation in assigned areas. • Acts as an initial point of contact at Headquarters for peacekeeping missions to communicate fast changing political and operational developments, and as such, interacts routinely with peacekeeping missions and other field-based entities, especially during crisis situations. • Drafts, compiles and edits daily situational awareness reports and supports crisis management and response procedures, as part of the larger Watch Room team.
• Prepares presentations, briefings and reports using visual tools. • Prepares and updates maps of UN field missions using cartographic and information systems, where applicable. • Researches and drafts special reports related to political and/or operational issues, as required. • Responds to requests for information from senior managers at Headquarters, linking with field actors. • Provides point of contact services between headquarters, UN field presences and permanent missions in New York when required.
• Facilitates crisis and emergency procedures when necessary, including drafting of crisis update reports and linking with field entities. • As part of the 24/7 staffing of the Watch Room, the Associate Operations Officer performs shifts, as requested, and acts as a designated UN Watch Officer duty officer during silent hours, weekends, and holidays, on a rotational basis with other team members. • Performs any other duties as requested by the Head of Watch Room or direct supervisor.
Competencies PROFESSIONALISM • Strong research skills, including ability to evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources while working effectively in a stressful environment. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. • Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. • Good analytical, planning and organizational skills.
• 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.
CLIENT ORIENTATION • Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships, at the working level and with senior decision-makers.
• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; • Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; • Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; • Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients 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 An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political science, history, international relations, journalism and media, or a related field is required. A first level university degree, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Not available.
Work Experience A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration, political science, international relations or related area is required. Experience with direct crisis management support is required. Experience in an international operational environment is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable.
The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level II Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice • This position is temporarily available for a period until 31-Dec-26. Further extensions are subject to post and funds availability. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to "internal candidates," who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.
Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement."
Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
• Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation.
This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. • A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade.
However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position. A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions, and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii).
Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments.
In its resolution 66/234, the General Assembly further "stressed that the Secretary-General should not recur to the practice of temporarily filling posts in the Professional and higher categories with General Service staff members who have not passed the General Service to Professional category examination other than on an exceptional basis, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that temporary occupation of such posts by the General Service staff shall not exceed a period of one year, effective 1 January 2013…" Consequently, eligible candidates in the General Service or related categories for temporary job openings in the Professional category that have not passed the competitive examination may be selected only on an exceptional basis endorsed by the Office of Human Resources Management where no other suitable candidate could be identified.
• Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. • Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.
• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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.
All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. 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.
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Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC). The incumbent reports to the Head of the UNOCC Watch Room. The UNOCC is a multi-party entity reporting to the USG for Policy in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and, on peacekeeping matters, to the USG for Peace Operations. The UNOCC also receives strategic oversight from a Client Board of principals from each of the client entities. The UNOCC provides global situational awareness, crisis and risk management, as well as facilitates cross-pillar analysis and decision-making in the UN. The Centre is operationally positioned under the Office of Coordination and Shared Services (OCSS) between the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations. Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Associate Political Affairs Officer is responsible for the following specific duties: • Monitors political-security, humanitarian, human rights and other relevant developments in peacekeeping, peace-building, special political mission and non-mission settings. • Gathers and interprets information from a variety of sources, including internet-based open source media, field mission reports and information from member states. • Tracks the overall security situation in assigned areas. • Acts as an initial point of contact at Headquarters for peacekeeping missions to communicate fast changing political and operational developments, and as such, interacts routinely with peacekeeping missions and other field-based entities, especially during crisis situations. • Drafts, compiles and edits daily situational awareness reports and supports crisis management and response procedures, as part of the larger Watch Room team. • Prepares presentations, briefings and reports using visual tools. • Prepares and updates maps of UN field missions using cartographic and information systems, where applicable. • Researches and drafts special reports related to political and/or operational issues, as required. • Responds to requests for information from senior managers at Headquarters, linking with field actors. • Provides point of contact services between headquarters, UN field presences and permanent missions in New York when required. • Facilitates crisis and emergency procedures when necessary, including drafting of crisis update reports and linking with field entities. • As part of the 24/7 staffing of the Watch Room, the Associate Operations Officer performs shifts, as requested, and acts as a designated UN Watch Officer duty officer during silent hours, weekends, and holidays, on a rotational basis with other team members. • Performs any other duties as requested by the Head of Watch Room or direct supervisor. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM • Strong research skills, including ability to evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources while working effectively in a stressful environment. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. • Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. • Good analytical, planning and organizational skills. • 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. CLIENT ORIENTATION • Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships, at the working level and with senior decision-makers. • Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; • Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; • Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; • Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients 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 An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political science, history, international relations, journalism and media, or a related field is required. A first level university degree, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration, political science, international relations or related area is required. Experience with direct crisis management support is required. Experience in an international operational environment is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level II Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice • This position is temporarily available for a period until 31-Dec-26. Further extensions are subject to post and funds availability. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to "internal candidates," who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. • Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. • A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade. However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position. A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions, and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. In its resolution 66/234, the General Assembly further "stressed that the Secretary-General should not recur to the practice of temporarily filling posts in the Professional and higher categories with General Service staff members who have not passed the General Service to Professional category examination other than on an exceptional basis, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that temporary occupation of such posts by the General Service staff shall not exceed a period of one year, effective 1 January 2013…" Consequently, eligible candidates in the General Service or related categories for temporary job openings in the Professional category that have not passed the competitive examination may be selected only on an exceptional basis endorsed by the Office of Human Resources Management where no other suitable candidate could be identified. • Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. • Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. • The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. 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.