Political Affairs Officer (Science, Technology & International Security)

About the role

The Office for Disarmament Affairs is seeking a Political Affairs Officer to join the Science, Technology and International Security Unit in New York. The incumbent will support the High Representative and the Director by providing political analysis on emerging disarmament, non‑proliferation and arms‑control issues, including autonomous weapons and military AI.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and assess cross‑cutting disarmament trends, treaties and normative instruments, and recommend UN actions.
• Provide early‑warning political analysis to senior officials on developments affecting geopolitical stability.
• Draft analytical reports, background papers, talking points, speeches and correspondence for the General Assembly, Security Council and other UN bodies.
• Serve as focal point for collecting and analysing political information related to assigned topics.
• Liaise with other UN offices, international organisations and government representatives to coordinate policy and brief stakeholders.
• Participate in conferences, seminars and academic forums, and support Secretariat services for intergovernmental bodies.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience in political analysis of disarmament, non‑proliferation or arms‑control issues.
• Familiarity with UN processes, intergovernmental negotiations and reporting mechanisms.
• Proven ability to produce high‑quality analytical documents and briefing materials for senior decision‑makers.
• Strong research skills and capacity to synthesize complex technical information into clear political assessments.

Required skills