This position is located in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC). The Senior Political Affairs Officer will be based in Bogota, Colombia and within delegated authority, the incumbent will report to the Chief of Staff. **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., conflict prevention and resolution, political and governance institution-building, civil society support work, etc.; incorporates an integrated approach that includes a conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit. 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, as well as other elected offices of intergovernmental bodies concerning the organization of work, status of negotiations, and conduct of business including interpretation of the rules of procedure. Responds to/prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties and manages operations involving several components, including civilian, international observers and United Nations Volunteers. 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 a region and or country or major conflict. Plans, coordinates and manages programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency 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. Performs other related duties as required Competencies 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 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; 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. JUDGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impact on others and on the Organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; Makes tough decisions when necessary. 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 staff when they make mistakes; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly. Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social sciences, law, public administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Work Experience A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, development, disarmament or related field is required. Experience supervising teams is required. Experience working in UN Peacekeeping Mission, Special Political Mission or other field-based operations is desirable. Experience working in a situation centre is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For