POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, NOC
Job Description
Job description
Job Opening ID: 273539
Job Network : Political, Peace and Humanitarian
Job Family : Political Affairs
Category and Level : National Professional Officers, NO-C
Duty Station : MOGADISHU
Department/Office : United Nations Support Office in Somalia
Date Posted: Mar 9, 2026
Deadline: Mar 22, 2026
This position is located in the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) based in Mogadishu.
The incumbent will report directly to the Senior Political Affairs Officer in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (OASG).Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Senior or Political Affairs Officer: – Participates fully in assigned operational activities related to the work of the office or mission, i.e., peacekeeping, 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 head of mission, as well as other selected offices of intergovernmental bodies concerning assigned areas of work, status of negotiations, and the approach to various issues including interpretation of the rules of procedure. 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. – 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 requiredCompetencies• Professionalism: Thorough knowledge of and application of relevant operational, administrative and protocol policies to ensure adherence to relevant guidelines and procedures and overall quality of outputs; Proven tact and discretion in dealing with highly confidential and sensitive matters, as well as excellent interpersonal skills; Demonstrated initiative and ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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. • Planning and 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. • 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.
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 LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II
Skills and qualifications
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.
Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is desirable. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (05) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required.
How to apply
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
