Jobs - 71121- Junior Professional Officer (JPO), Political Affai

Junior Professional Officer (JPO), Political Affairs (Kuwaiti Nationals Only)

Location :

Nicosia, CYPRUS

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

14-Apr-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-2

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year (renewable)

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus serves as the principal official responsible for the Secretary-General’s good offices on the Cyprus issue. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Chief of Mission of UNFICYP, who acts as deputy on issues relating to the good offices, currently serves as Acting SASG following the resignation in April 2014 of the last SASG, Alexander Downer. The SASG’s mandate is to assist the parties in the conduct of full-fledged negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus issue. To this end, the SASG liaises regularly with other parties concerned, including Greece and Turkey, members of the Security Council, and the European Union.

On 11 February 2014, after five months of intense discussions, the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Dervis Eroglu, concluded a Joint Declaration marking the official re-launch of high-level negotiations on a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem. In April 2014, the Secretary-General held bilateral meetings with both leaders and expressed encouragement over their continued commitment to the process.? Following the resumption of high-level negotiations, the sides have regularly engaged in discussions both at the leaders’ and at the negotiators’ level. The full range of topics under negotiation includes governance and power-sharing, citizenship, economic matters, European Union matters, property, territory and security and guarantees.? OSASG-Cyprus also facilitates the work of a number of bi-communal technical committees? set-up by the leaders of the two communities and assists in their implementation of confidence building measures between the two communities.

Based in Nicosia, Cyprus, OSASG-Cyprus is a special political mission. It is composed of? the following staff (and their respective levels):? 1 SASG (USG-level), 1 Coordinator and Head of Office (D-1 level), 3 Senior Political Affairs Officers (P-5 level), 3 Political Affairs Officers (P-4 level), 1 Legal Affairs Officer (P-4 level), 1 Special Assistant to the SASG (P-4 level, based in New York, traveling to Cyprus with the SASG), 3 Administrative Assistants (2 FS, 1 LL), 2 Security Officers (1 FS, 1LL) and 3 drivers. OSASG-Cyprus is backstopped by the Europe Division of the Department of Political Affairs at UN Headquarters.

OSASG-Cyprus operates in a fast-paced environment that offers insight into and direct access to an ongoing face-to-face negotiations process facilitated by the UN. In addition, the Associate Expert will actively participate in brainstorming sessions on the UN approach to the negotiations and assist OSASG-Cyprus in implementing a communications strategy.

Supervision

Title of Supervisor:
Coordinator and Head of Office, OSASG-Cyprus

Content and methodology of supervision:
Constant feedback provided to the JPO? through regular meetings with the Supervisor and senior OSASG-Cyprus staff designated by the Supervisor, performance appraisal at mid-point and end of the first year of assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Coordinator and Head of Office, the incumbent will:

Assist OSASG-Cyprus to provide substantive support to the SASG, Secretary-General and senior officials of the Organisation on all aspects of the bicommunal negotiations in Cyprus;
Assist OSASG-Cyprus in taking? notes of meetings of the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, their respective negotiators and bilateral meetings between the UN Good Offices team and relevant interlocutors;
Prepare correspondence, talking points and briefing notes for senior UN officials including the Secretary-General, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and the SASG;
Assist in the implementation of the Office’s communication strategy;
Engage in research and analysis with a view to assessing political developments in Cyprus and in the region and making recommendations for UN action;
Assist in the maintenance of effective liaison with other UN entities, Member States, representatives of regional and nongovernmental organisations.

Competencies

Works collaboratively with colleagues (teamwork), speaks and writes clearly and effectively (communication), able to identify priorities (planning), and remains client focused in a fast-paced environment (client orientation).

Learning Elements
On completion of the assignment, the Associate Expert will

Be knowledgeable about the key issues in the negotiations for a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus as well have gained a direct and deep understanding of mediation techniques;
Have gained insight into the Organisation and its functions as related to its mandate of maintaining international peace and security;
Have provided substantive support to senior UN officials, including the SASG, the Secretary-General and the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs;
Have liaised with other UN departments, Member States, representatives of regional and nongovernmental organisations;
Have participated in meetings and collaborative projects with a wide range of actors and submitted reports thereon.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in political science, international affairs, or other relevant discipline.

Work experience:

At least two years of relevant experience in international affairs with government, international or regional organisations, NGOs or research institutions. Previous experience or knowledge of the Cyprus issue an advantage.? Experience in the field, particularly in post-conflict situations or in mediation processes, desirable. Experience with media relations, civil society outreach or communications strategy desirable.?

Languages:

Fluency in English required. Strong drafting skills required.

Other skills:

Microsoft Word required; other computer software, including website content management and design an advantage.

Disclaimer:

The above position with the UN Secretariat is open in the context of the Junior Programme Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of Kuwait and addressed exclusively to candidates with Kuwaiti citizenship.