Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Special Assistant, Political Affairs will be based in Kabul and will report to the DSRSG Political. Kabul is classified as an "E" hardship duty station and a non-family duty station.
Responsibilities Under the direction of the DSRSG Political, the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties: - Provide substantive and practical support to the DSRSG; Keep the DSRSG informed on all matters requiring his/her attention and that of the Mission leadership; Assist in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled, and ensure appropriate follow-up, as directed. - Identify, analyze and monitor developments and emerging issues and trends that might affect the Mission's mandate, operations and management; assess implications and, in consultation with Mission components and the UN Country Team, make recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives; monitor, evaluate and report on implementation. - Assist the DSRSG with the coordination and preparation of a range of written materials, including but not limited to briefing notes, notes to file, code cables and memoranda.
Coordinate the preparation of/prepare draft documents and support the DSRSG in overseeing or supporting their implementation/compliance. - Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Mission components, the broader UN family, donors and other national and international partners on policy, management, operational and coordination matters; - Organize and manage the substantive aspects of the DSRSG'smeetings, field visits and UNAMA events, as required, and prepare written summaries and conduct follow-up activities, as appropriate; -Support the development and implementation of integrated or comprehensive approaches to complex political challenges; - Support the design, implementation, and follow-up of mediation initiatives, - Assist in formulating and managing the implementation of the Mission's programme of work, including through support to planning and budgetary processes. - Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. - Perform other relevant duties as requested by the DSRSG.
Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Demonstrates ability to plan and implement programmes of work.
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.
PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
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 Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or related fields. A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Not available.
Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution or related field is required. Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. A minimum of four years' experience working in the office of a senior public official as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior official is required.
Experience in supporting senior leadership in the development and implementation of integrated or comprehensive approaches to complex political challenges is desirable. Experience in providing mediation support is desirable. Experience in Afghanistan is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Dari or Pashto 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 III Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking Dari UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Pashto 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 At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect.
The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.
Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located.
For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions. 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 Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Special Assistant, Political Affairs will be based in Kabul and will report to the DSRSG Political. Kabul is classified as an "E" hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. Responsibilities Under the direction of the DSRSG Political, the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties: - Provide substantive and practical support to the DSRSG; Keep the DSRSG informed on all matters requiring his/her attention and that of the Mission leadership; Assist in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled, and ensure appropriate follow-up, as directed. - Identify, analyze and monitor developments and emerging issues and trends that might affect the Mission's mandate, operations and management; assess implications and, in consultation with Mission components and the UN Country Team, make recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives; monitor, evaluate and report on implementation. - Assist the DSRSG with the coordination and preparation of a range of written materials, including but not limited to briefing notes, notes to file, code cables and memoranda. Coordinate the preparation of/prepare draft documents and support the DSRSG in overseeing or supporting their implementation/compliance. - Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Mission components, the broader UN family, donors and other national and international partners on policy, management, operational and coordination matters; - Organize and manage the substantive aspects of the DSRSG'smeetings, field visits and UNAMA events, as required, and prepare written summaries and conduct follow-up activities, as appropriate; -Support the development and implementation of integrated or comprehensive approaches to complex political challenges; - Support the design, implementation, and follow-up of mediation initiatives, - Assist in formulating and managing the implementation of the Mission's programme of work, including through support to planning and budgetary processes. - Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. - Perform other relevant duties as requested by the DSRSG. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Demonstrates ability to plan and implement programmes of work. 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. PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 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 Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or related fields. A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution or related field is required. Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. A minimum of four years' experience working in the office of a senior public official as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior official is required. Experience in supporting senior leadership in the development and implementation of integrated or comprehensive approaches to complex political challenges is desirable. Experience in providing mediation support is desirable. Experience in Afghanistan is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Dari or Pashto 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 III Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking Dari UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Pashto 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 At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions. 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.