Paid Internship at United nations (UNOCT) in New York is located in the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) within the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT). The Associate Political Affairs Officer will report to the Chief of the UNCCT Capacity Building Unit.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press; maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues in the counter-terrorism field;

• Assists senior official with briefing notes, background papers and talking points for UNOCT management.
• Prepares summaries of articles from a wide variety of sources and draft a variety of correspondence and UNOCT reports. 
• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.
• Monitors political, socio-economic and other politically relevant developments in an assigned area.
• Carries out basic research on selected aspects of counter-terrorism programmes, operations, and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources,
• Provides input into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes.
• Creates databases that track project progress and provides other information relevant to the assigned area. 
• Participates in field missions, including the provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc. Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

•Professionalism: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area, including theories, concepts and approaches relevant to counter-terrorism capacity building. Knowledge of programme and project management methods, including development of project documents. Understands and applies concepts of effective programme and project management. Ability to develop sources for data collection. 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& 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

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in social or political science, international relations, security studies, law, public administration or other related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related fields is required. Experience in the field of counter-terrorism or prevention of violent extremism is desirable. No experience is required for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the G to P Examination (G to P).

Languages

English and French are the working language of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This post is funding through extra-budgetary funds, appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations is Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.