Result of Service

• High quality analytical outputs: Delivery of timely, accurate, and well structured reports, briefing notes, talking points, and policy papers that inform the SRCC and senior AU officials, ensuring consistency in messaging and alignment with mission objectives. • Enhanced political engagement: Effective support to the Mission’s political affairs, including facilitation of dialogue, provision of strategic advice, and contribution to good offices efforts that strengthen AU engagement with Somali stakeholders and international partners. • Improved situational awareness: Regular monitoring and analysis of national, regional, and international political developments, with clear assessments of implications for AUSSOM operations and recommendations for strategic responses. • Coherent mission planning: Contribution to mission wide planning processes, ensuring integration of political analysis into operational concepts and component plans, thereby enhancing coherence and effectiveness of AUSSOM’s mandate implementation.

Work Location

Mogadishu, Somalia

Expected duration

Twelve months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Setting and Reporting: This position is situated within the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The incumbent will be based at Mission Headquarters in Mogadishu, operating under the overall supervision of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC). The Senior Reporting/Political Affairs Officer will support the Mission by monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on political developments related to the peace process. This includes tracking political dynamics, conflict prevention efforts, and peacemaking initiatives. The officer will also assist in facilitating the Mission’s political engagement by preparing analytical briefs, draft reports, meeting notes, and other documentation as required, in line with the Mission’s strategic objectives and directives. Description of Responsibilities: • Provide high-level strategic and technical advice to all mission components, and lead the drafting of complex technical papers, reports, and policy proposals. • Advise the SRCC and Head of Mission on cross-cutting policy, operational, managerial, and substantive matters, ensuring alignment with mission priorities and AU frameworks. • Maintain active coordination with international organizations on policy and operational issues; deliver briefings and offer informed recommendations as appropriate. • Prepare a wide range of substantive materials for the SRCC and senior AU officials, including analytical reports, briefing notes, talking points, statements, and speeches. • Support the Head of Political Affairs in facilitation and good offices efforts; contribute to the development of policy directives and action plans for both immediate and long term political solutions. • Identify and analyze emerging political issues relevant to the mission’s mandate, assess their implications, and recommend strategic responses. • Contribute to Mission wide planning processes, ensuring coherence between mandated tasks, component plans, and operational concepts. • Stay informed on political developments at the national, regional, and international levels that may impact the Mission’s work. • Draft high quality talking points, speeches, memos, and briefing materials for senior officials, ensuring consistency in messaging and alignment with Mission objectives.

Qualifications/special skills

Education: A minimum of a university degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Law, or a closely related field. Work Experience: At least seven (7) years of professional experience, with a minimum of three (3) years in a relevant role within government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, or multilateral, regional, or international institutions is required. Skills: • Strong ability to engage and collaborate with governments, NGOs, and multilateral institutions in complex political, peace, and security contexts. • Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet-based research tools. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven strengths in negotiation, analysis, and report writing. • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments. • Willingness and resilience to operate in high-pressure, hardship, and potentially hazardous environments. Professionalism: In-depth and substantial knowledge and expertise of all aspects of office and registry management; Integrity and reliability; Proven conceptual and analytical skills that lead to formulation of policies, programs and strategies. Ability to write clearly and concisely. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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; tailored language, tone, style and format to match 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; willingness 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.

Languages

Fluency in written and oral English is required.

Additional Information

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 ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.