Associate Political Affairs Officer

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Assignment is with family (KINSHASA)

Until 30 June 2026, with possible 12 months extension depending on the availability of funds and satisfactory of performance.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Section or another political affairs officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Gather, select, verify and analyse information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including internal mission reports and the press;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge relating to political issues in general in the DR Congo and the broader Great Lakes region, and in particular as they affect the operational area for which the staff member is responsible;
• Keep abreast of latest trends and developments in the DRC and the broader Great Lakes region and provide updates and inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in the Mission;
• Monitor regional, national and provincial level political and security developments and provide advice to the Mission, especially with regards to ongoing international, regional and national peace processes and initiatives;
• Provide technical and substantive support for the implementation of the mandate of the Political Affairs Division in Mission HQ;
• Maintain contacts with other components of the Mission, UN international partners and government authorities on political and security issues, coordination and policy matters;
• Maintain regular contact with all relevant local political actors and civil society groups;
• Assist in compiling and producing daily, weekly, flash and other written reports as directed by the Head of Section;
• Assist with the preparation of internal and external meetings chaired by or attended by the Director and/or Head of the Political Affairs Section;
• Coordinate preparations for special visits and support visiting delegations as required;
• Monitor actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations within assigned area of responsibility;
• Assist in programme design and management, through the implementation of programmatic and outreach funds;
• Participate in fact-finding and other joint missions within assigned area of responsibility;
• Assist the Head of Political Affairs Section in conflict resolution, mediation or crisis management initiatives by information gathering and analysis;
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations, briefings and other information packages for senior officials as directed by Head of Section;
• Participate in field visits in difficult circumstances;
• When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training;
• Any other related duties as may be required.