Director, Political Affairs

About the role

The Director, Political Affairs leads the Central and Southern Africa Division within the shared structure of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. Reporting directly to the Assistant Secretary‑General for Africa, the role supports the Secretary‑General’s mandate for international peace and security.

Key responsibilities

• Direct and manage the work of the Central and Southern Africa Division, formulating and implementing its substantive work programme, setting priorities and allocating resources.
• Oversee the Division’s annual workplan, ensuring timely execution of programmed activities and coordination with other UN bodies, donors and agencies.
• Contribute to overall departmental strategies and policies through committee participation, policy document preparation and advisory support to senior UN officials.
• Monitor political, security and related developments in Central and Southern Africa to provide early warning of tensions and potential conflicts.
• Ensure timely provision of political analyses, briefing notes, background papers and talking points for senior UN leadership and reporting to the General Assembly and Security Council.
• Provide experienced counsel and support to Special Representatives, Heads of Mission, Coordinators or Envoys of the Secretary‑General and maintain regular contacts with field missions.
• Offer senior analysis, advice and recommendations on preventative diplomacy, peacemaking and peacekeeping related to political and security developments in the region.
• Coordinate and maintain regular contacts with Member States and relevant regional and sub‑regional organisations.

Required profile

• Extensive senior‑level experience in political affairs, peacebuilding and United Nations operations.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a multi‑disciplinary division, formulate work programmes and allocate resources effectively.
• Strong knowledge of political, security and conflict dynamics in Central and Southern Africa.
• Experience providing high‑level advice and counsel to senior UN officials, including the Secretary‑General, Under‑Secretaries‑General and Assistant Secretary‑General.
• Demonstrated capacity to coordinate with UN agencies, donors, Member States and regional organisations.

Required skills