Director, Political Affairs

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Peace Support, (PBPSO), in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The Director, Political Affairs/Deputy Head of Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office reports directly to the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Peace Support. PBPSO was reorganized as a result of integration of DPPA's Peacebuilding Support Office with three offices formerly within the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), as endorsed by A/RES/80/242 of 31 December 2025. PBPSO comprises of seven main sections: Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (OASG), Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Section; Justice and Corrections Service; Security Sector Reform Unit; the Peacebuilding Commission Support Branch; the Peacebuilding Strategy and Partnerships Branch; and the Peacebuilding Fund Branch. PBPSO is headed by an Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) with dual reporting duties to the Under Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and the Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations. Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Leads PBPSO's senior management team and manages the performance and administration of the office as a whole and its operations, including performance management of PBPSO senior personnel, effective implementation of PBPSO's personnel and reform strategy and strengthening of organizational results, and oversees PBPSO's efficient administration. • Acts on behalf of the ASG on policy and operational matters and provides strategic leadership, guidance and management to PBPSO's work in support of the Peacebuilding Commission and the UN system with regard to the development of peacebuilding strategies and policies and the development of PBPSO's organization and capacities. • Supports the ASG by overseeing the formulation of policy proposals on peacebuilding and peace support (with reference to the three rule of law components: Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Section, Justice and Corrections Service, Security Sector Reform Unit) issues and proposing policy directives and plans of action for immediate and long range solutions to peacebuilding challenges conceptually and with regard to specific countries, identifies emerging issues in peacebuilding and peace support, analyzes implications and makes recommendations on possible strategies and measures. • Leads and manages the effort to develop peacebuilding strategies in support of the deliberations of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and UN leadership in the field, including the development, refinement and monitoring of PBC instruments of engagement, synergies to the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and wider international efforts; monitors stabilization efforts and broader recovery processes in countries emerging from conflict; and advises on issues for the attention of the UN's Senior Management Group, and Senior Representatives of Permanent Missions to the United Nations. • Develops and provides strategic policy advice to PBC stakeholders and relevant countries on PBC engagement and peacebuilding strategies, and assesses the progress on implementation of country peacebuilding plans. • Ensures programmatic and policy coordination and synergistic engagement with UN entities, including the Secretariat, as well as agencies, funds and programmes and Principal Organs including the Security Council and the General Assembly, and represents PBPSO in senior coordination fora and strategic planning exercises. • Maintains, in close coordination with the ASG, regular contact with senior mission leadership (SRSGs and D/SRSGs), UN Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams on peacebuilding and peace support efforts. • Leads, in particular, efforts to develop the partnership and collaboration with external partners and stakeholders, particularly those in Africa, such as the African Bank for Development, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), etc. • Coordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to inter-governmental bodies such as the PBC, the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, the Committee for Programme Coordination, the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and other policymaking organs, as appropriate. • Reports to inter-governmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in bi-annual and/or annual reports. • In close conjunction with the Special Assistant to the ASG and PBPSO's Administrative Management Officer, undertakes or oversees programmatic/administrative tasks, as necessary, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (e-Performance), interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates. • Chairs meetings and seminars on substantive and policy issues, represents the Organization at international, regional, inter-agency and other meetings, seminars and conferences; provides programmatic/substantive expertise on relevant issues and engages in programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. • Represents the ASG in relevant inter-governmental bodies and inter-Secretariat coordinating bodies and deputizes for the ASG as necessary. • Performs other related duties as requested by the senior management of the Organization. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM • Knowledge on the development of policy and strategy on peacebuilding and related issues, with broad geographical remit. • Ability to produce reports and papers on technical and policy issues and ability to review and edit the work of others. • Knowledge of United Nations policies, management, administrative, budgetary and staffing systems, procedures and regulations. • Ability to communicate complex concepts orally and in writing and to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. • Proven ability to defend and explain difficult issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior officials and members of inter-governmental bodies. • Ability to tailor language, tone, style and format to match the audience. • Demonstrated openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • 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. ACCOUNTABILITY • Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments. • Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. • Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. • Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. • Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 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 audience. • Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. LEADERSHIP • Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. • Empowers others to translate vision into results. • Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. • Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. • Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. • Drives for change and improvements. • Does not accept the status quo. • Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. • Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. JUDGEMENT & DECISION-MAKING • Mature judgment and initiative. • Imagination. • Resourcefulness. • Energy and proven ability to provide strategic direction and ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve goals. • Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. • Gathers relevant information before making a decision. • Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. • Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. • Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. • Checks assumptions against facts. • Determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. • Makes tough decisions when necessary. Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political sciences, international relations, social sciences, finance, business administration, management or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience At least fifteen years of progressively responsible international experience in the areas of peacebuilding, post-conflict and crisis transition, governance and/or programmatic activities and management is required. Experience working in conflict, post-conflict and/or transition countries with peacebuilding activities is required. Experience representing an organization or institution at senior levels is required. Experience in results-based management is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. 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). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIDesirable LanguagesLanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingFrenchUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Core values and competencies will be assessed throughout the evaluation process. Special Notice At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 May 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Brunei Darussalam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu. Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, China, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Libya, Liberia, Luxembourg, Monaco, Oman, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Turkmenistan, United States of America 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. Applicants who have reached the mandatory age of separation are not eligible to apply for job openings The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. Staff members appointed to the current position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee