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.

The position is subject to reclassification and approval of the level.

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.

The 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 assist the political transition, including in the areas of constitution making and elections, 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 Darfur and the Two Areas; and to support the mobilisation of economic and development assistance and coordination of humanitarian assistance.

The position is based in Khartoum and is located in the Office of Support to the Political Transition.

The incumbent will report to the Senior Political Affairs Officer

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

• Leads and organizes operational activities related to the work of the office or mission as relevant, i.e., political affairs, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, conflict prevention and resolution, electoral assistance/administration, institution-building, work with/in support of civil society support, etc.; pursues an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit.
• Prepares and reviews briefing notes and talking points for the Senior Political Affairs Officer, Head of the Mission and other senior staff. Provides guidance and advice on assigned issues to her/his supervisor and mission’s management, concerning assigned areas of work, status of negotiations, etc. 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. Develops and maintains relations with government officials at the working levels and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern.
• Leads a team which deals with a variety of political issues in a region and or country or major conflict. Attends meetings to identify the scope of the project, consider methodologies, and leads or actively participates in developing guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new team. 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.
• Provides substantive support to his/her supervisor in the formulation of the programme of work, budget and medium-term plan of the unit by actively participating in or leading meetings, drafting documents and compiling and/or researching issues related to the mission. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education:  Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. 

• At least four years of work experience in political analysis, writing and advising in support of senior officials is desirable.
• At least four years of outreach with a range of interlocutors including government and security officials, political parties, and civil society is desirable.
• At least two years of experience in working in countries in political transition 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.

UN VALUES AND CORE COMPETENCIES

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.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments.  Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards.  Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.  Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.  Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services.  Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs.  Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas.  Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box". Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things, is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority.  Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member.  Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills.  Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines.  Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff.  Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative.  Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff.  Appraises performance fairly.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow, empowers others to translate vision into results.  Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives.  Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support.   Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions.  Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo.  Shows the courage to take unpopular stands.

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-Khartoum-2021-26 – 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 mailbox. 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