Vacancy No.

UNRCCA/002/2017

Deadline

04 Sept 2017   

Post-Title

Political Affairs Assistant

Level

GS-5

Organizational Unit

Political Affairs Unit, UNRCCA

Location

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

VA Date:

07 August 2017      

Period of appointment

Initial period of one-year with possibility of further extension, subject to the mandate and/or availability of funds

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Political Affairs Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Receives and processes information contained in communications and publications from different sources, including the press; maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues in a specific area or subject matter.

• Assists senior officers with preparing drafts, briefing notes, background papers and talking points.
• Assists in preparing summaries of articles from a wide variety of sources and drafts a variety of correspondence, and section reports.
• Monitors political, socio-economic, and other politically relevant developments in an assigned area.
• Assists in providing input for political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programs.
• Updates information in the databases that track project progress and provides other information relevant to the assigned area.
• Keeps abreast of UN policies, including those related to Political Affairs work and takes part in Political Affairs trainings.
• Assists and/or work closely with UNRCCA Public Information Unit in planning and coordination of activities related to organizing exhibits, media and outreach campaigns, press briefings and other special project and liaises with relevant internal and external stakeholders and counterparts, drafts and edits reports, production schedules, press releases and related texts and correspondence and other related activities, as/when required
• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Training in Political Affairs/social work related is desirable. Training in communication, project monitoring, logistical, budgetary & administrative issues is an asset.

Experience: At least five (5) years of related work experience in providing support work in political science, international relations, legal/paralegal, disarmament, security development management, conflict resolution or related work with NGOs, civil society organizations or working as a civil servant.

Languages: Fluency in English and Russian (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of Turkmen is desirable.

Other Skills: Sensitivity to the political, social and cultural environment and ability to adjust behavior accordingly; Awareness of population diversity and of its needs, including those vulnerable situations; Some knowledge of domestic legal system; Good understanding of how national institutions function; Some knowledge of fundamental human right principles; Awareness of mission mandate; Ability to gather, verify, evaluate information from a variety of sources; Ability to identify new and better approaches to work processes for incorporation in daily work,  Commitment to gender equality.

UN CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Demonstrated technical knowledge of human resources management. Ability to maintain accurate records, interpret/analyze a wide variety of data, and identify/resolve data discrepancies and activity problems. Practices discretion and observes confidentiality. 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 and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates the 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.

Communication: Speaks and write clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Ask questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience; Demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments, delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;

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 a client informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of product or services to client.

APPLICATIONS