Org. Setting and Reporting

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 required

Competencies

• 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. 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. Job – Specific Qualification Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is desirable. Work Experience A 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. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. 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 Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice
• This position is temporarily available through 30 June 2026 with the possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• Recruitment against this position is on a local basis. This position is open to Nationals of Somalia only. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
• Interested applicants who are working with UN Contractors must fulfill the obligations of their contracts with the UN Contractors in order to be eligible to apply for this vacancy.
• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
• When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure…