2014 YPP examination - POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Special Notice
	• The purpose of the present Job Opening is to invite applications from external candidates who wish to take the 2014 Young Professionals Programme examination in the job family of Political Affairs.  UN Secretariat staff members who are eligible to apply through the “G to P” or “G to N” track must not apply through this Job Opening. • Applying to more than one job family will result in automatic disqualification. • Upon selection, all candidates successful in the Young Professionals Programme examinations will be initially appointed at the P-1 or P-2 level depending on their qualifications.  Those appointed at the P-1 level shall be promoted to a position at the P-2 level following a minimum of two years of satisfactory performance and depending on the availability of posts. Thereafter, candidates may apply for positions at the P-3 level through the staff selection system so long as they meet the qualification requirements. • Incomplete applications and applications that are received after the above deadline (11:59 pm New York HQ local time) will not be accepted under any circumstances.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid problems due to heavy last-minute internet traffic.
		Org. Setting and Reporting
	These positions are located primarily in the Department of Political Affairs (DPA), the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), both at Headquarters and in the field, and the Office of Disarmament (ODA). They generally report to a Senior Political Affairs Officer.
		Responsibilities
	The Young Professionals Programme examination in Political Affairs covers a wide range of topics in the areas of peacemaking and preventive diplomacy, political analysis, electoral assistance and other related areas covered by the political affairs arms of the United Nations.  If you are successful in the examination, you could be assigned to a job that covers any or a combination of these areas.  Some of the key responsibilities of an Associate Political Affairs Officer would be (These duties are generic and may not be carried out by all Associate Political Affairs Officers): • Conducts research and 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 a specified area or subject matter. • Prepares briefing notes, background papers and talking points for senior officials. • Prepares summaries of articles from a wide variety of sources and draft a variety of correspondence, and sections of reports. • Monitors political, socio-economic and other politically relevant developments in an assigned area, and prepares reports. • Provides input into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes. • Creates databases that track project progress and provides other information relevant to assigned area. • Performs other related duties as required.
		Competencies
	Professionalism:  - 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 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 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
		Education
	At least a first-level university degree in one of the following fields of study: 1. Field of study: Economics, Political Science, International Relations, International Economics, International Studies, Human Rights, Peace & Conflict Studies, Sociology  (These fields of study can be found under the main course of study “Social & Behavioural Science”.); 2. Field of study: General Law, History of Law, International Law, Jurisprudence (These fields of study can be found under the main course of study “Law”.); 3. Field of study: Institutional Administration, Public Administration (These fields of study can be found under the main course of study “Business & Administration”.); 4. Field of study: Modern History, History, Philosophy, Area studies (These fields of study can be found under the main course of study “Humanities”.);
		Work Experience
	No work experience is required.
		Languages
	Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
		Assessment Method
	Applications will be screened on the basis of the eligibility criteria.  Only up to the 40 most qualified applicants per job family and per nationality/member state will be convoked for the written examination. The cost of traveling to the examination centre is to be covered by the examinee. The written examination shall consist of: (i) a general paper, which tests drafting and analytical skills; and (ii) a specialized paper, which tests the substantive knowledge of the particular job family for which the examinee is being tested. All examinees in all job families shall complete the same general paper.  The general paper and/or specialized paper shall be eliminatory. The paper that is going to be marked first shall be eliminatory, and only examinees successful in that paper of the examination shall have the other paper marked. Each part of the specialized paper may be eliminatory. The Specialised Boards of Examiners shall decide on the part(s) of the specialised paper that will be eliminatory. Only examinees who are successful in the written examination will be invited to the oral examination. The oral examination will be conducted via online video conference. APPLY