Political Affairs Officer - United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU)

Responsibilities

• Lead and organize operational activities related to early warning, conflict prevention, mediation and resolution, Good Offices, peacebuilding, governance, and electoral support.
• Maintain close collaboration with the African Union and integrate rights-based, conflict-prevention, and gender perspectives into policy and operational activities.
• Prepare and review briefing notes, statements, talking points, and responses for senior officials.
• Develop and maintain relations with the African Union Commission, diplomatic representatives, and other relevant officials.
• Monitor and analyze the political situation in Central Africa and support coordinated action on peace and security issues.
• Assist in planning, coordinating, and supporting programmes, projects, and activities involving the Office and/or interagency partners.
• Represent the team at round tables, seminars, and conferences.
• Support the strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in peace and security.
• Support the Special Representative in Good Offices functions, as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities in political affairs and related issues.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively and value the expertise and contributions of colleagues.
• Planning & Organizing: Ability to establish priorities, manage resources, anticipate risks, and adjust plans as necessary.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt communication to different audiences.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, International Economics, Law, Public Administration, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, humanitarian affairs, disarmament, conflict resolution, or a related area.
• Experience working on peace and security issues with the African Union or Regional Economic Communities (RECs), particularly in Central Africa, is required.
• English or French is required.

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Category

Business and Administration, Legal

Location

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Application Deadline

September 9, 2026

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants should apply through the United Nations Careers portal:

https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/284139?language=en