ASSOCIATE POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P2

Organisation: DPPA - Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
Location: New York
Contract: J
Deadline: 17 November 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Security Council Practices and Charter Research Branch within the Security Council Affairs Division (SCAD) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) at Headquarters in New York. The incumbent will report to the Senior Political Affairs Officer and the Chief of Branch. The Security Council Practices and Charter Research Branch (SCPCRB) in the Security Council Affairs Division of DPPA (SCAD) serves as the advisory and research arm of the Division on matters of Security Council practice and procedure. Among its core functions, the Branch is responsible for the preparation of the Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council, the only official and comprehensive record of the practice of the United Nations Security Council. The Repertoire provides a comprehensive coverage of the Security Council’s interpretation and application of the Charter and its own Provisional Rules of Procedure since 1946 in all six UN official languages. The Branch services the Security Council Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions (IWG) and provides substantive and administrative support to its Chairperson and members. The Branch contributes to the familiarization sessions for new Council members with respect to the evolving procedure, practice and working methods of the Council and its subsidiary organs. It also responds to queries on past and contemporary practice of the Security Council, and on the Council’s interpretation and application of the Charter of the United Nations and the Council’s Provisional Rules of Procedure. The Branch also serves as the focal point within DPPA for Security Council reform. As such, the Branch monitors the debates in the General Assembly on Security Council reform and on the improvement of the Security Council working methods.

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, related to the Security Council; maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues in a specified area or subject matter. • Assists in the provision of substantive support to the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies and prepares responses to queries on procedural and constitutional issues related to the Security Council. • Assists senior official with briefing notes, background papers and talking points, as well as contributes to the preparation of various written documents (e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents, etc.) • Prepares summaries of meetings of the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies, and conducts comprehensive research and analysis for, and drafts parts and sections of, the Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council. • Monitors the proceedings of and questions on the agenda of the Security Council and General Assembly, as well as political, socio-economic, and other politically relevant developments in an assigned area, and prepares analytical notes on noteworthy procedural and constitutional developments. • Provides input into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes. • Contributes to other information products of the Security Council Practices and Charter Research Branch, as required. • Creates databases that track project progress using information technologies and provides other information relevant to assigned area. • Uses data and information technologies, including emerging technologies to collect, analyse and visualize information and monitoring the activities and proceedings of the Security Council and its subsidiary organs. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Excellent knowledge of the policies, procedures and practices of the Security Council. Ability to organize and summarize information required for the preparation of relevant documentation for the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies, and to develop sources for data collection. Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area. 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& 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

A first-level university degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related area is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience researching, drafting and editing complex documents for publication is required. Experience in database and website management, as well as data and political analysis, is desirable. Experience working for or with international or regional organizations is desirable.

Languages

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

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Desirable Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Russian UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Chinese (Mandarin) UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Arabic UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Spanish UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

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