Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the office of the United Nations Representative to the Geneva International Discussions (UNRGID) in Geneva. Geneva is classified as a “H” family duty station. The position involves regular travel and extended stay, as necessary, to the area of responsibility of UNRGID. The Political Affairs Officer will report to the UN Representative/Co-Chair of the Geneva International Discussions through the Officer-in-Charge of UNRGID/ Director of Europe and Central Asia Division (ECAD) of DPPA-DPO and relevant Team Leader/Senior Political Affairs Officer in ECAD.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Works in close cooperation with the team members to effectively contribute and support the implementation of UNRGID’s mandate in the framework of the Geneva International Discussions. • Provides substantive advice and support to the UN Representative/Co-Chair on all key issues related to the United Nations engagement in the Geneva Discussions and the UN-chaired Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM). • Closely follows political and operational developments in the region, with a particular focus on political, security and humanitarian issues, with a view to providing early warning. • Provides political analysis and reporting on political and peace and security-related developments and issues of relevance to the UN mandate and the agenda of the Geneva International Discussions and suggests recommendations on appropriate action. • Prepares analytical reports and papers, background materials, thematic concept papers, communications and correspondence, including code cables and other documents in support of the UN’s role as the Co-Chair of the Geneva International Discussions and Chair of the IPRM. • Prepares and organizes UN Representative/Co-Chair visits to the region, both bilateral and joint visits together with the EU and OSCE Co-Chairs in preparation for the official rounds of the Geneva International Discussions. • Coordinates the preparation of the rounds of the Geneva International Discussions, coordinates with the EU and OSCE counterparts and with UN Office in Geneva on organizational and logistical aspects, prepares briefing materials and summary notes of the meetings. • Prepares and participates in the meetings of the IPRM. Liaises with the participants of IPRM. Drafts the provisional agenda, summary conclusions, press statements and meeting records, and ensures follow-up on decisions taken. • Ensures prompt operational liaison with the participants of the IPRM and Geneva International Discussions as well as with EU and OSCE Co-Chairs in response to incidents or other issues requiring Co-Chairs’ attention and action. • Maintains liaison with local and international actors, in particular the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), UN agencies, funds and programmes, and other relevant non-governmental and international organizations. • Serves as mission focal point on assigned cross-cutting policy issues. Supports the preparation of budget and other policy-related submissions. • Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Up-to-date knowledge of political developments directly relevant to the Geneva International Discussions. Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in the areas covered by the Geneva International Discussions. Shows ability to demonstrate communication and reporting skills. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in conflict affected areas 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. 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 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
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Extensive experience in conflict/political analysis and the drafting of analytical reports is required. Experience in political outreach, liaison, facilitation, and coordination, including with relevant regional organizations, is required. Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting in the field, in a peace operation of the United Nations or other international organizations, is required. A minimum of four years of up-to-date experience working on peace and security matters in Eastern Europe, particularly South Caucasus, is required. Experience supporting mediation and/or peacebuilding processes is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Russian are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Language
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
English
UN Level III
UN Level III
UN Level III
UN Level III
Russian
UN Level III
UN Level III
UN Level III
UN Level III
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 28 February 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China (People's Republic of), Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.
United Nations Considerations
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 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 conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid 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 subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. 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 under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. 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 legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
