Political Affairs Officer , United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia

Special Notice

This position is funded for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Appointment against this post is on a local basis. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred in order to take-up the appointment. 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. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening

Interested applicants who are working with UNSOS/UNSOM Contractors must fulfil the obligations of their contracts with the UN Contractors in order to be eligible to apply for this vacancy.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:

This position is located in the Department of Political Affairs and Mediation Group. The incumbent will report to the Head of Area Office in Baidoa.

Responsibilities;

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

· Monitor, report and analysis on developments in the ISWA region;

· Establish and maintain contact with ISWA officials, clan elders, religious leaders, youth and women’s representatives, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens;

· Establish and maintain a profile matrix of key actors in the ISWA region;

· Coordinate and communicate with relevant Somali political actors and other counterparts as appropriate;

· Advise on and coordinate activities in the promotion of broader initiatives of national reconciliation, federalism, state building and elections involving key political actors, clan and community leaders, religious leaders, women and youth leaders and relevant civil society organizations;

· Prepare studies, presentations, briefs, policy documents and reports relevant to the Area Office and PAMG;

· Help with translation of documents into both Somali and English, as required;

· Act as an interpreter and translator in meetings both Somali and English, as required;

· Perform other assignments as may be directed by the Head of Area Office or the Chief of PAMG.

Competencies

Professionalism: Good understating of political, social and economic developments in Somalia and, in particular, the Interim South-West Administration (Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions). Ability to identify and analyze political, clan, social and economic issues that have the potential to cause civil unrest. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the administration and community. Ability to develop sources for data collection. 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.

Communication:** Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping supervisor as well as the team informed.

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.

Qualifications

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. Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is an asset.

Experience: A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development, conflict resolution or related area.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and Somali (both oral and written) is required, knowledge of the Maay dialect is highly desirable. Knowledge of other UN language is an advantage.

Assessment: Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include an assessment exercise

Method: which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Other Skills: Microsoft Office and Internet.

HOW TO APPLY:

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates may submit their applications including their United Nations Personal History form (P.11) to the address mentioned below on or before the deadline. The P.11 is on thehttp://www.unon.org/ Applications submitted after the deadline 20 May 2016 will not be accepted. CVs will not be accepted.

Email: recruitment-unsoa@un.org

Please quote, Vacancy Announcement Number and Functional Title in the subject of the e-mail

A copy of P11 to be attached.

The United Nations shall place 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 DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING).