Political Affairs Officer

About the role

The Political Affairs Officer will support the Middle East Division of the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations. Based in New York, the incumbent will report to the Senior Political Affairs Officer and contribute to the UN’s political and operational engagement across the Middle East.

Key responsibilities

• Review and monitor political developments and trends in the Middle East, assessing implications for UN peacekeeping operations.
• Provide substantive guidance and support to UNDOF and UNTSO missions.
• Monitor mission activities, recommend adjustments in response to critical developments.
• Participate in assessment and planning missions for assigned areas.
• Analyse events to deliver early‑warning advice to senior UN officials.
• Prepare analytical reports, background papers, notes, talking points and speeches for the Security Council and other bodies.
• Maintain up‑to‑date information for senior officials and propose actions.
• Coordinate with other UN sectors, brief representatives and contribute to conferences and academic forums.
• Assist with administrative functions related to staff planning and budgeting.

Required profile

• Strong analytical ability to conduct in‑depth studies of political issues and propose solutions.
• Understanding of political, social, economic and humanitarian dynamics in the Middle East.
• Capacity to interpret data and support decision‑making processes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for drafting high‑level documents.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse UN entities and external partners.

Required skills