Senior Political Affairs Officer

About the role

The Senior Political Affairs Officer will lead the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary‑General for Western Sahara (OPESG) in Brussels. Reporting directly to the Personal Envoy, the role supports United Nations efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Western Sahara conflict.

Key responsibilities

• Act as senior adviser to the Personal Envoy, providing strategic political guidance.
• Direct and integrate OPESG activities in line with the Envoy’s vision and UN mandates.
• Develop and oversee internal policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with Headquarters standards.
• Translate high‑level mandates into actionable tasks and priorities.
• Research and analyse political developments, delivering early‑warning advice and recommending UN actions.
• Formulate political strategies, identify emerging issues, and propose policy directives.
• Monitor trends in Western Sahara, prepare analytical reports, briefing notes, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Organise and participate in mediation, negotiations, fact‑finding and other missions.
• Maintain liaison with the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and other UN bodies.
• Carry out administrative and programmatic tasks required for the Office’s functioning.

Required profile

Required skills