Political Affairs Officer

About the role

The Political Affairs Officer supports the Assistant Secretary‑General overseeing multiple regions from the United Nations headquarters in New York. Reporting through the Senior Political Affairs Officer, the incumbent provides high‑level political analysis, advice, and coordination across the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO).

Key responsibilities

• Provide advice and recommendations to senior officials on political issues and ensure quality standards for briefings.
• Communicate senior‑level decisions to relevant desks and monitor implementation.
• Gather, select, and analyse information from diverse sources, including press releases and publications.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of political developments affecting assigned countries and thematic mandates.
• Offer technical and substantive backup for the implementation of office mandates.
• Coordinate with UN sectors, international organisations, and governments on policy matters.
• Monitor actions of intergovernmental groups, NGOs, and UN bodies.
• Draft and review project proposals, budgets, and reports for extra‑budgetary funds.
• Prepare meetings for senior UN officials with country representatives.
• Develop and track workplans, compile implementation reports, and perform related duties as required.

Required profile

• Demonstrated ability to support senior officials in high‑level political engagement and preventive diplomacy.
• Strong analytical skills with capacity to identify causes and propose solutions to political challenges.
• Professional competence, reliability, and adherence to deadlines.
• Resilience under pressure and ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Commitment to incorporating gender perspectives into analysis and recommendations.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work at the United Nations headquarters on global political issues.
• Exposure to senior decision‑makers and multi‑regional diplomatic processes.
• Professional development within a leading international organization.