Important note: UNITAMS will only accept properly completed and signed Personal History Form (P.11) received before closing date. Please submit your application on the attached P.11 ONLY.  Other UN P.11 formats, incomplete P.11, CV and Resume will not be accepted, nor will late submissions after closing date.

The selected candidate will be expected to deploy in time to commence work as soon as possible.

Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected, subject to clearance of employment reference checks, security and medical. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

This position is locally recruited open for Sudanese nationals only.

UNITAMS will not provide accommodation to locally recruited staff.

UNITAMS is equal employer for men and women. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is located in the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS). The United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2524 (2020) authorizing the mandate of UNITAMS which is to support the political transition, progress towards democratic governance, in the protection and promotion of human rights, and sustainable peace; to support peace processes and implementation of future peace agreements; to assist peacebuilding, civilian protection and rule of law, in particular in the areas of Blue Nile, South Kordofan and Darfur; and to support the mobilisation of economic and development assistance and coordination of humanitarian assistance.

The position is located in the El Fasher Regional Office. The incumbent will report to the Head of Office, Political Affairs, El Fasher Regional Office.

Responsibilities:

Within the limits of delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for performing the following duties:

• Keeps abreast of political and other related developments and reports on them in a timely manner; provides analysis and advice;
• Develops and maintains relations with government officials at the working levels and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern; Develops contacts and effective working relations with a wide range of Sudanese interlocutors (government officials, tribal leaders, civil society, armed movements, etc) and others;
• Participates in assigned operational activities related to the work of the office or mission, i.e., supporting peace talks, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, conflict prevention and resolution, post-conflict rehabilitation, election administration, political and governance institution-building, civil society support work, etc.; supports an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit;
• Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Senior Political Affairs Officer, Head of the Mission and other senior staff. As requested, provides guidance and advice on assigned issues to the Political Director or Head of Mission, status of negotiations, prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties and manages operations involving several components of a limited nature, such as civilian, military or humanitarian operations;
• Participates as a member of a team dealing with a variety of political issues in a region, country or major conflict situation. Attends meetings to identify the scope of the project, considers methodologies, and participates in developing guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new assignments;
• Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. Represents the team at round tables, seminars and conferences;
• Supports his/her supervisor in the formulation of the work programme, budget and medium-term plans of the unit by participating in meetings and compiling or researching issues related to the mission;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education:  Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), is required, in Political Science, Management or Development, or a related field. A first level university degree with a combination of two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience, is required, in political science, political analysis, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area.

• A minimum of three years of experience in outreach with government and political officials, civil society, armed movements, humanitarian actors, and other stakeholders is required.
• A minimum of three years of work experience in Darfur is required in political, peace and security, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, or other relevant work is required.
• Experience in advising senior officials is desirable.

Languages:  English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Fluency in/Knowledge of an additional languages of Sudan is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

UN CORE VALUES AND COMPENETNCIES

Professionalism: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems. Extensive knowledge of the political dynamics in Sudan, including local dynamics, as well as those related to the peace process. Shows pride in work and 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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients " and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Assessment:

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written assessment followed by a competency-based interview.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Applicants must accurately complete, sign and date the attached United Nations Personal History form (P.11) ONLY and forward the duly completed signed P.11 by e-mail to: unitamsrecruitment@un.org   
• Applicants should COPY UNITAMS-JO-El Fasher-2021-16 – Political Affairs Officer in the SUBJECT line of the email when submitting their signed P.11 form. UNITAMS will not consider any applications which are not received directly in the VA mail box. Other UN P.11 formats and incomplete P.11 will not be accepted.
• Please note that any information provided on the P.11 form will be considered binding.
• The selected candidates will be subject to a reference checks to verify the accuracy of the information provided in the P.11 form.
• Only applicants who are short-listed will receive an acknowledgement within two weeks from the deadline indicated on the VA.

Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply

 Download UNITAMS P11 Supplementary Sheet