Political Affairs Officer

About the role

The Political Affairs Officer will be based in Aden, supporting the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary‑General for Yemen. Reporting to senior political officers in Aden and Amman, the role combines operational leadership with political analysis and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and organise operational activities of the Aden office, integrating rights‑based, conflict‑prevention and gender perspectives into policy and planning.
• Prepare briefing notes, talking points and responses for mission leadership, and manage visits of the Special Envoy and delegations.
• Develop and maintain relations with government officials and political parties, providing advice on negotiations and policy issues.
• Represent the office at UN Country Team meetings and other Aden‑based forums, delivering political briefings and updates.
• Support the formulation of work programmes, budgets and medium‑term plans, and manage the Aden‑based political team.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in Political Science, Management, Development or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum seven years of progressive experience in political affairs, international relations or conflict resolution, including at least two years in Yemen.
• At least two years of staff management experience, preferably within the United Nations system.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse instability drivers and provide strategic political advice.

Required skills

• English – UN Level III (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
• Arabic – UN Level III (reading, writing, listening, speaking).