JPO in Political Affairs

TERMS OF REFERENCE

I. General Information

Title: JPO in Political Affairs

Sector of Assignment: Political Affairs

Organization/Office: United Nations / DPO/ MINURSO / Office of the Chief of Staff

Country and Duty Station: Laayoune, Western Sahara

Duration of assignment: 2 years with possibility of extension for another year. The extension of appointment is subject to yearly review concerning priorities, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance

Please note that for participants of the JPO-Programme two years work experience are mandatory! Relevant work experience can be counted. In order to assess the eligibility of the candidates, we review the relevant experience acquired after obtaining the first university degree (usually bachelor’s degree).

II. Supervision

Title of Supervisor:

Chief of Staff

Content and methodology of supervision:

Establishment of a Work Plan:
During the first month of the assignment, the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will work jointly with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed upon work plan. The final work plan will be discussed and mutually agreed to by the JPO and his/her supervisor.

Evaluation: The United Nations Performance Evaluation System (e-performance) will serve as a primary platform to evaluate of the JPO’s performance.

Substantive supervision by the Chief of Staff via ongoing interaction, on-the-job training, regular meetings, performance appraisal.

III. Duties, Responsibilities and Output Expectations

Within delegated authority, the Junior Professional Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Staff (CoS), the incumbent will discharge the following duties, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of political issues relevant to the United Nations in general, and to peacekeeping and MINURSO area of operations in particular;
• Provide substantive and practical support to the Chief of Staff in the implementation of the Mission’s operational tasks;
• Keep the CoS informed on all matters requiring his/her attention;
  Assist in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled and ensure appropriate follow-up;
• Help organize and manage CoS’ meetings and mission events such as townhalls, video conferences, official trips within and outside of Mission area;
• Prepare notes, talking points, and other ‘front office’ written output; coordinate/draft correspondence and deal with incoming and outgoing correspondence of the CoS; prepare written summaries and conduct follow‑up activities, as appropriate;
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all Mission components, liaise with relevant partners on coordination and policy matters;
• Assist with the organization and management of official visits by diplomatic counterparts or senior UN officials to the Mission;
• Identify, analyze, and monitor the implementation of existing policies and processes, both internal and external and make recommendations on possible strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mission objectives;
  Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation;
• Undertakes special assignments, as requested, falling under the remit of the Chief of Staff;
• Perform other duties as required.

IV. Qualifications and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in political science, international relations or other related field.

Work experience:

A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in international affairs, with exposure to analysis and research in international politics. Good knowledge of the mandates and activities of the United Nations peace operations is an asset.

Languages:

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Other skills:

Ability to use Microsoft Office software.

UN competencies:

PROFESSIONALISM:
Shows pride in work and in achievements;
Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
Is conscientious and…