POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following: ？ Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the implementation of restorative sentences issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. ？ Monitors actions taken by government institutions to provide the conditions for the implementation of the restorative sentences and monitors and assesses the compliance with and progress in the implementation of the restorative sentences by those individuals sanctioned with restorative sentences in accordance with the Peace Agreement. ？ Maintains contact with the individuals serving restorative sentences, lawyers, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace’s staff in the area of assignment, Government and other local authorities, and facilitates dialogue to seek solutions to possible issues affecting the implementation of restorative sentences. Liaises with victims and affected communities, including women, youth, and ethnic communities that are to be the beneficiaries of reparations. ？ Supports an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit; cooperates with counterparts to develop strategies to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives on the verification of the implementation of the restorative sentences and ensures coordination and complementarity with the United Nations Country Team. ？ Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Senior Political Affairs Officer, Head of the Mission and other senior staff. Keep abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment (Valle del Cauca and Eje Cafetero Departments) and provide inputs on issues related to the implementation of the restorative sentences, and on the Colombian Peace process at large, to senior officials and colleagues in the Mission. As requested, provides guidance and advice on assigned issues to the Head of Office. Develops and maintains relations with government officials at the working levels and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern. ？ Participates as a team member on a team which could deal with a variety of political issues in a region and or country or major conflict. ？ Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. Represents the team at round tables, seminars and conferences. ？ Supports his/her supervisor in the formulation of the programme of work, budget and medium-term plans of the unit by participating in meetings and compiling or researching issues related to the mission. ？ Supervises UN Volunteers and National Officers assigned to the sentences verification’s team, developing guidelines, managing work plans, adjusting the team's time frames, and taking responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. ？ Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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. 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. Planning and 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Management or Development, or a related field. 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.

Job - Specific Qualification

A valid driver's license is required Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (05) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Previous experience in transitional justice and reconciliation processes in a post-conflict context is required. Knowledge of Latin American context and the Colombian peace process is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in both English and Spanish (written and verbal) is required.