ASSOCIATE POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

Posted on August 28, 2026
Geneva
Posted on August 28, 2026

About this role

This position is located in the Office of the Director-General (ODG), United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of Political Affairs and Partnerships Section.
Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Office and under the direct supervision of the Chief, Political Affairs and Partnerships Section, the Associate Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: - Contribute to monitoring, research and analysis of developments and processes related to peace and security in the assigned geographic and/or thematic area by analyzing data and information to support policy formulation, strategy development and decision-making, as well as to identify trends and emerging issues, including by using digital technologies and data analytics. - Contribute to the drafting of a wide range of documents and communication, including analytical and procedural reports, background and briefing notes, talking points, meeting checklists and notes, concept notes and correspondence, by conducting research and analysis. - Contribute to efforts to support strategic communications by drafting speeches, press releases, publications or other means of public communication, including social media, based on analysis of substantive content. - Support the planning, coordination and organization of programmatic activities in the assigned area of work (e.g., high-level events and meetings, such as cultural and other special events, briefings and discussions; and diplomatic engagements) by analyzing requirements and coordinating logistics. - Assist in the outreach and partnership-building activities of the Office of the Director-General. - Assist with planning, coordination and organization of activities and events initiated by intergovernmental meetings and processes (e.g., commemorative days) by analyzing requirements and coordinating logistics. - Assist efforts to promote organizational learning and knowledge sharing by facilitating the collection, analysis and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices through internal and external reviews. - Assist efforts to develop, review and disseminate guidance and policies to ensure alignment with strategic and operational UN priorities and initiatives.
Competencies: - Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist in developing and using data sources. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, to contribute to own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; commitment to professional competence and mastery of subject matters; shows an ability to work under urgency and in a changing environment; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the full 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 people informed. - Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities while planning; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, social sciences, anthropology, law, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in the cited areas may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Not available.
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible work experience in political science, international relations, law, cold war, security, development management, conflict resolution, electoral affairs, civil affairs, or other related areas - Desirable: Experience in policy analysis, speech drafting for high-level officials, preparing background materials, meetings and summaries, organizing high-level, leadership, event planning, as well as experience in the United Nations Common or similar international organization.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Russian is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (see https://languages.un.org).
Required Languages: English - UN Level III - Reading - Writing - Listening - French - UN Level III - Writing - Listening - *The level requirements after the UN Language Framework. Desirable Languages: Russian - Reading II - Writing II - Listening II - Speaking II
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by an informal interview.
• The position is for a duration of one year. • Extension of the appointment is subject to the extension of the availability of funds. • If the selected candidate is a staff member from the UN Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this post is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to "internal candidates," who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such such applicants shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the progress and continued employment of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally equivalent to the needs of the service. • Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to appear in this temporary job opening.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive ordinary conditions. The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might apply or apply or be perceived to cause offense or humiliation, and when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offenses may not be considered for employment. Due to the valuable assistance of to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible, the United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and advisory organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Grounds of appeal may be provided to applicants with the requested. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations or in conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended. This condition of service applies to all specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are advised to follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking the "Manuals" in the Help tile of the inspira account-holder home page. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislation of the United Nations. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information of applicants’ bank accounts.
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