Duration:1 Year (renewable subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance)
Application period:19-Jul-2019 to 02-Aug-2019
This position is located at the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq in Baghdad, with a direct reporting line to UNOPS and a dotted reported line to the Chief of Branch, Pillar I&IV, United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre/United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNCCT/UNOCT)
The incumbent of this position will be a staff member of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Functional Responsibilities
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Under the supervision of the UNOPS Project Manager and the secondary supervision of the Chief of Branch of UNCCT/UNOCT, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
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Strengthens UNOCT/UNCCT’s engagement, coordination and capacity-building efforts on programming in Iraq and takes an effective lead in the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (PVE), relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions as they pertain to counter-terrorism.
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In consultation with the DSRSG/RC/HC at United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), liaise with all relevant UN entities at the national and regional level on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (PVE), relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions as they pertain to counter-terrorism.
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Reviews and monitors counter-terrorism and PVE activities in Iraq, trends which might affect the UN’s policy, coordination and capacity-building engagement in the region; reports back to UNOCT/UNCCT at Headquarters with recommendations; and possible action by the United Nations.
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Drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials on counter-terrorism, PVE, policy, coordination and capacity-building issues.
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Liaises with the local donor and diplomatic community on policy, coordination and capacity-building issues related to counter-terrorism and PVE, including on awareness-raising of UNOCT’s work, political buy-in and resource mobilization.
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Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political and counter-terrorism issues of assignment.
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Arranges and participates in conferences, meetings and capacity-building workshops and missions in Iraq under the direction of UNOPS and the UNCCT/UNOCT.
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Meets regularly with operational teams including UN staff, national officials as well as Civilian Police officers to plan projects, implement and review project activities.
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Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political and counter-terrorism matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take.
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Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
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Provides input for review of staff or consultants to be deployed to important posts in the field (e.g. with Resident Coordinators).
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Carries out, in consultation with the DPPA West Asia Division relating to the policy and coordination.
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Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation.
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Performs other related duties as required
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
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Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international law, history, public administration, or related field.
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A first-level university degree in any of these fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
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At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs with demonstrated experience in counter-terrorism, project implementation political analysis, official correspondence and reports is required.
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Proven experience in the work of the United Nations, particularly in the area of political affairs, counter-terrorism and peace and security is required.
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Proven experience in project planning and project implementation is required.
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Good understanding of the current political situation and dynamics in the Middle East is desirable.
Languages
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For this position, fluency in English is required.
Contract type, level and duration
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Contract type: Fixed-Term Staff Appointment
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Contract level: P-3
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Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.
