About UNAMA:

UNAMA is a political mission that provides political good offices in Afghanistan; works with and supports the people of Afghanistan;  supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation. UNAMA was established by the UN Security Council Resolution 1401 in March 2002 at the request of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Learn more about the mandate of the mission at https://unama.unmissions.org/Learn more about what we do http://unama.unmissions.org/

Job Description:

Within delegated authority the Political Affairs Assistant will report to the Team Leader of the Political Affairs section and is responsible for the following duties:

• Receives and processes information contained in communications and publications from different sources, including from regional df authorities and non-governmental counterparts; maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues in a specified 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 programmes.
• Updates information in the databases that track project progress and provides other information relevant to the assigned area.
• Undertakes outreach to a variety of Afghan interlocutors, including religious and community leaders, women, youth, civil society, and minority communities, to develop effective networks at the direction of the Head of Section.
• Undertakes outreach and travels (by air and road) to districts across the Central Highlands Region, including to remote areas, to engage with local stakeholders and communities.
• Assists in organizing and facilitating outreach meetings involving a variety of Afghan interlocutors across the Central Highlands Region.
• Keeps abreast of UN policies, including those related to Political Affairs work and takes part in Political Affairs trainings.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Requirements:

Education: High school diploma is required. Post-secondary training in political affairs/social work related is desirable. Training in communication and project management or monitoring is required.

Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of related work experience in political science, international relations, legal/paralegal, disarmament, security development management, conflict resolution or related work with international organizations/nongovernment organizations, and civil society organizations or working as a civil servant is required. Experience with political advisory, capacity building and project management desirable. Special measure will be considered when approved. Experience working in the Central Highlands Region is desirable.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Fluency in oral and written Dari is required. Knowledge of oral and/or written Pashto is desirable.

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Job related required UN Competencies:

Professionalism: Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. 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.

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

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.

Submission Guideline:

• UNAMA will only accept properly completed and signed Personal History Form (P.11) received by email before the closing date. CVs or Resumes will not be considered nor will late submissions after closing date. Any information provided on the P.11 form will be considered binding.

Applicants must accurately complete, sign and date the United Nations Personal History form (P.11) and submit the duly completed signed P.11 by e-mail to: unamava_substantive@un.org

• Important Note: Applicants should copy and paste the Vacancy Announcement (VA) Number which is VA#11/03/2023 into the email subject line when submitting the duly completed and signed P.11 Form and the required documents. Please do not add any other information in the subject line of your email except VA#11/03/2023. Please do not add any additional words or space in the VA Number. Applications received without a VA Number will not be considered.
• The selected candidates will be subject to a reference checks process to verify the information provided in the P.11 form.
• Only applicants who are short-listed will receive an acknowledgement within one (1) to two (2) weeks from the deadline indicated on the VA.

Required documents to be submitted along with the signed and completed UN P.11:

• Serving UN staff members: In addition to the completed and signed P.11, scanned copies of two most recent e-Performance Evaluation Reports must be submitted with the application.
• For External applicants: In addition to the completed and signed P.11, scanned copies of two most recent performance evaluation reports or if not available, two reference letters. If the applications received do not contain the latest two performance evaluation reports candidates must provide a short explanation as to why they are not available.

No fee:

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 in applicants bank account.

Applicants are reminded that the United Nations cannot appoint a person who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister of a staff member. For this reason, applicants are required to disclose at the time of their application, whether they bear any of the above relationships to a staff member of UNAMA or any other UN entity which is part of the Secretariat. In addition, selected candidates would be required to complete a family declaration form prior to assuming their duties with the Mission. Failure to disclose any of the above relationships constitutes a material omission, that could lead to termination or dismissal from the United Nations.

The necessity for ensuring the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity remain the paramount considerations in the employment of personnel. To ensure fairness and transparency, selection will be made on a competitive basis through a selection panel.

Submission Email:

unamava_substantive@un.org