Senior Political Affairs Officer / Team Leader

About the role

The Senior Political Affairs Officer/Team Leader will be based in Kabul within UNAMA, supporting the Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs. This senior position leads the secretariat for the Doha process working groups on counternarcotics and the private sector, shaping policy and operational activities.

Key responsibilities

• Head the secretariat for the Doha process working groups on counternarcotics and the private sector.
• Formulate strategies, propose policy directives and develop short‑ and long‑term action plans.
• Plan and implement operational activities, including political outreach, analysis and reporting, integrating rights‑based, conflict‑prevention and gender perspectives.
• Coordinate inter‑departmental and inter‑agency programmes, projects and activities.
• Prepare briefing notes and talking points for senior UN officials.
• Provide continuous guidance and advice to the DSRSG‑Political.
• Lead and manage a work team: allocate tasks, coach, mentor and evaluate staff, and participate in recruitment.
• Respond to queries and statements from parties regarding the secretariat’s work.
• Develop the programme of work, budget and medium‑term plan, and oversee administrative matters.
• Maintain relations with senior government officials and international community representatives.

Required profile

• Extensive knowledge of intergovernmental bodies and United Nations political processes.
• Ability to evaluate complex international political situations.
• Strong coordination skills across multiple levels and participants.
• Experience in policy formulation, strategic planning and operational implementation.
• Proven leadership and team‑management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and diplomatic skills for high‑level stakeholder engagement.

Required skills