Political Affairs
Core tasks in this area include the observation and analysis of political developments in the mission area, the collection of information from a wide variety of sources, as well as the development of options and strategies for action. Political advisors/political affairs officers work primarily at mission headquarters. They advise and support the mission leadership and management in all political affairs, review the effectiveness of the mission’s activities, recommend changes in strategy, and develop alternative approaches if needed.
Political advisors liaise closely with local government representatives, local authorities, and civil society actors. Furthermore, they serve as a link between headquarters and field offices.
Work in this area is closely related to work in the areas of legal affairs and public information.
Tasks and Functions
- Compiling and analysing information from a variety of sources including the local press
- Negotiating the establishment of provisional and local government bodies
- Liaising with neighboring countries and international bodies
- Liaising with local authorities
- Liaising with civil society actors
- Collecting and preparing background information on long-term developments and conflict background in the host country
- Participating in fact-finding missions
- Advising the mission management on political issues
- Providing early warning on developments which could threaten stability
- Developing recommendations and action plans for the mission management
- Reporting to headquarters about the activities of various departments and units
updated September 2009