About this role

The post is located in the Geneva Branch of the Office for Disarmament Affairs. The position reports to the Senior Political Affairs Officer. The Branch provides substantive, secretariat, organizational and administrative support to the Conference on Disarmament, review conferences and other meetings of States parties to multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation agreements and to treaty-making conferences, expert groups and other disarmament meetings under the responsibility of the Branch.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press; maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control;
Assists the Political Affairs Officer and senior officials with briefing notes, background papers and talking points.
Prepares summaries of articles from a wide variety of sources and draft a variety of correspondence, and sections of reports.
Monitors relevant developments in disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control, and the weaponization of emerging technologies.
Provides inputs to the Branch programmes.
Supports the digital information management work and outreach of the Office.
Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. 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.

Education

An advanced university degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in political sciences, international relations, public administration, international law, development or related field is required. No experience is mandatory for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme (YPP) Examination. Substantive experience on matters relating to disarmament and multilateral diplomacy is required. Experience in managing or coordinating events, in drafting official correspondence and reports, and/or political/legal research and analysis are desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish or French or Russian or Arabic is desirable.