SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P5

United Nations
Garowe, Somalia
Policy Affairs

Job Description

A career opportunity awaits at United Nations — they are hiring a SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P5 in Garowe. The ideal candidate will have 2 - 3 years of professional experience in the Policy Affairs field. Qualified candidates are urged to apply before the Jun, 20 deadline.

Job Opening ID

:

279060

Job Network

:

Political, Peace and Humanitarian

Job Family

:

Political Affairs

Category and Level

:

Professional and Higher Categories

,

P-5

Duty Station

:

GAROOWE

Department/Office

:

United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia

Date Posted

:

Jun 14, 2026

Deadline

:

Jun 20, 2026

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: •Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the office or mission, i.e., peacekeeping, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, conflict prevention and resolution, post-conflict rehabilitation, election administration, political and governance institution-building, security sector reform, civil society support work, etc.; incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the Area Office. •Ensures regular, timely and high quality reporting to the Mission leadership on pertinent developments and issues. Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Head of the Mission and other senior staff. Provides continuous guidance and advice to the head of mission, senior staff, UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes and partners. Responds to/prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties. •Supports overall coordination of and support to UN Country Team members present in the location, as well as non-resident agencies, supports coordination and implementation of integrated and joint UN approaches in line with country and state level development plans. Keeps Head of Mission and DSRSG/RC/HC apprised of development and humanitarian activities in area of responsibility. Develops and maintains relations with senior government officials, political and community leaders, civil society, and other international partners and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern. •Leads and directs a work team; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs. Manages, coordinates, organizes and supervises research on a variety of political issues in the area of responsibility. Formulates a comprehensive programme of work for the Area Office, determining priorities and activities in accordance with the mandate and Result-Based Budget. Plans, coordinates and manages programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or inter-agency involvement and participation. Represents division/office/mission at round tables, seminars and conferences. •Formulates the programme of work, budget and medium-term plan of the unit and participates in the overall approval of the programme of work, and administrative matters concerning the Section/Division or mission; coordinates and oversees work of colleagues and unit. Ensures the operational functioning of the Area Office, in collaboration with Mission Support. •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. [Add gender indicator here]. 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 improvement; 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. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and 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. Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

About Garowe

Garowe is the administrative capital of the Puntland State of Somalia. The city has developed into an important center for governance, education, and humanitarian operations in northeastern Somalia. Many international organizations maintain offices in Garowe, supporting development and resilience-building programs across the region.

Ereyada Soomaaliga (Somali Keywords): Shaqo Buuxda • Shaqo Garoowe • Shaqo Cusub

Qualifications & Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, social science, economics, law, public administration, or related field. A first-level university degree in any of these fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

How to Apply

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.

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Job Details

Posted: June 16, 2026
Organization: United Nations
Location: Garowe, Somalia
Sector: Policy Affairs