Political Affairs Officer (Temporary)

About the role

The Political Affairs Officer will support the Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit within the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva. Reporting to the Chief of the ISU, the officer will lead extra‑budgetary projects, liaise with donors, and monitor political developments relevant to the BWC mandate.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of extra‑budgetary projects supporting the BWC.
• Prepare donor reports and maintain communication on project progress.
• Stay informed on political issues affecting assigned countries and thematic mandates.
• Plan, direct, and participate in workshops, seminars, regional activities and assistance visits.
• Provide analysis of national and regional political developments to senior officials.
• Offer technical and substantive backup for the office’s mandates.
• Maintain contacts with UN bodies, international organisations, governments and NGOs on policy matters.
• Monitor actions of intergovernmental groups, UN organisations and NGOs.
• Classify and store project‑related information in computerized databases.
• Participate in missions to assigned countries and provide secretariat services for UN bodies and conferences.

Required profile

• Experience in political affairs, disarmament or related international security fields.
• Proven ability to manage projects and coordinate multi‑stakeholder activities.
• Strong knowledge of the Biological Weapons Convention and confidence‑building measures.
• Excellent analytical skills to monitor and advise on political developments.
• Ability to work with donors, prepare reports and maintain databases.

Required skills