Senior Political Affairs Officer

About the role

The Senior Political Affairs Officer will support the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) from its headquarters in Garoowe. Reporting to the Officer‑in‑Charge and the Deputy Special Representative, the role combines strategic political analysis with operational coordination across peace‑building and governance initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and implement operational activities covering peacekeeping, DDR, conflict prevention, election support, governance institution‑building, security sector reform and civil‑society engagement.
• Produce timely, high‑quality reports, briefing notes and talking points for senior UN leadership and respond to queries from parties.
• Coordinate UN Country Team and non‑resident agencies, ensuring integrated approaches align with national and state development plans.
• Develop and maintain relationships with senior government officials, political leaders, community representatives and international partners.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team: allocate tasks, mentor staff, oversee recruitment, and evaluate performance.
• Manage research on political issues, formulate work programmes, budgets and medium‑term plans, and represent the mission at conferences and round‑tables.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in political affairs, peace‑building or related UN operations.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with the ability to synthesize complex political developments.
• Proven ability to coordinate multi‑agency efforts and build partnerships with government and civil‑society actors.
• Leadership experience managing teams and overseeing programme implementation.
• Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work within a high‑profile UN mission in a dynamic environment.
• Professional development through exposure to multi‑sectoral peace‑building initiatives.
• Competitive UN remuneration and benefits package.