The Non-Negotiables : Illustrating a P3 Political Officer Position: Tackling Long UN Job Application Questions (Part 2)

This article builds on part 1 : The Non-Negotiables! Tackling Long UN Job Application Questions: Required and Desired Qualifications! (Part 1). Below we move from theory and demonstrate practical example of tackling a P3 Political Officer Position long questions contained in the application form !

Illustrating a P3 Political Officer Position: Tackling UN Job Application Questions

Let’s break down an example of the Political Officer (P3) position at the UN. The qualifications listed in this job description provide valuable insight into the required and desired competencies. Here’s how to approach answering those long application questions, keeping in mind the qualifications and experiences sought for the role.

1. Required Qualifications

For the Political Officer (P3) role, the UN specifies several essential qualifications that candidates must meet. These qualifications are non-negotiable, and your application should clearly reflect your alignment with these requirements.

a) Minimum of Five Years of Relevant Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a related field (political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution) is required. In your application:

• How to address this: Provide specific examples of positions you’ve held that are directly related to political science, international relations, or conflict resolution. Highlight your progressive responsibility in each role, showing how your expertise deepened over time.
• Example: “During my five years as a Senior Policy Advisor in a conflict-affected region, I led multi-stakeholder negotiations, organized diplomatic dialogues, and advised on national reconciliation strategies, contributing to key peace-building milestones.”

b) Experience in Political Outreach, Facilitation, and Analysis

The UN requires experience in political outreach, facilitation, and analysis. Here, you want to focus on your ability to engage with stakeholders, analyze political dynamics, and facilitate negotiations.

• How to address this: Provide concrete examples where you’ve engaged in outreach and facilitation. Show your skill in analyzing political contexts and adapting strategies accordingly.
• Example: “I coordinated high-level outreach efforts between government representatives, civil society groups, and international stakeholders to build consensus on post-conflict stabilization strategies. My analysis of emerging political trends shaped the framework for long-term peace efforts.”

c) Excellent Drafting and Reporting Skills

The ability to draft reports and documents clearly and succinctly is a key requirement.

• How to address this: Emphasize your experience with drafting reports, policy briefs, or communication materials for senior officials, government bodies, or international organizations.
• Example: “I have consistently produced detailed reports for UN stakeholders, analyzing political developments and offering actionable recommendations for diplomatic interventions. My reports were widely circulated and used in shaping subsequent policy decisions.”

d) Experience in Dialogue, Mediation, and Conflict Management

The UN values experience in supporting dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution—especially in complex or post-conflict settings.

• How to address this: Detail your hands-on experience in facilitating dialogue between opposing parties, working in post-conflict environments, or managing reconciliation initiatives.
• Example: “I facilitated a successful peace dialogue between warring factions in a post-conflict environment, leading to the signing of a reconciliation agreement that laid the foundation for rebuilding trust among local communities.”

2. Desired Qualifications

These qualifications aren’t mandatory, but they will strengthen your application, setting you apart from other candidates.

a) Experience Supporting Multi-Stakeholder Political Processes

The UN appreciates candidates who have experience engaging in multi-stakeholder political processes including both national and international actors.

• How to address this: Highlight any experience where you supported or coordinated with multiple stakeholders, such as national authorities, member states, or international organizations, to achieve common goals.
• Example: “In my role as a political advisor, I facilitated discussions between national governments, regional organizations, and the international community to align policies on cross-border security issues. This included organizing and moderating diplomatic forums that resulted in new cooperation agreements.”

b) Experience Working in Afghanistan or the Region

Experience in Afghanistan or similar regions is considered highly desirable due to the complexity of political dynamics in such contexts.

• How to address this: If you have experience in Afghanistan or the surrounding region, highlight this in your application. Focus on how you navigated regional dynamics and how your expertise aligns with the needs of the position.
• Example: “I spent three years working in Afghanistan, advising local authorities on governance reforms, security measures, and counterterrorism strategies. My understanding of the region’s political landscape was critical in establishing effective partnerships with local communities and international bodies.”

c) Engaging with Domestic Actors in Counternarcotics or the Private Sector

Finally, experience working with domestic actors in counternarcotics, the private sector, or related fields is also highly valued.

• How to address this: If applicable, discuss any work you’ve done in counternarcotics or private sector engagement in conflict or post-conflict settings.
• Example: “As part of a cross-border project in South Asia, I engaged with local law enforcement and private sector partners to address illicit drug trafficking. I coordinated joint task forces, which successfully reduced the flow of narcotics across the region.”

3. How to Approach the Long Application Questions

When facing the long and complex application questions typical of UN jobs, it’s essential to structure your responses in a way that clearly demonstrates your relevant qualifications. Here’s how:

a) Be Specific and Use Real Examples

UN applications value concrete examples over vague statements. For each qualification required, back it up with real-life situations where you showcased the skills, experience, and knowledge listed.

b) Use the STAR Method

For questions regarding your experience, especially those asking about how you handled specific situations, the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is extremely helpful.

• Situation: Describe the context or challenge you were facing.
• Task: Outline what needed to be done.
• Action: Explain the steps you took to address the situation.
• Result: Highlight the outcome or impact of your actions.

c) Tailor Your Responses to the Job Description

For each qualification listed, carefully match your skills and experiences to what the UN is asking for. Use the language and terminology used in the job description to make sure your application resonates with the UN hiring team.

More Examples !

Question:

Do you possess a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in political outreach, facilitation, and analysis in conflict or post-conflict settings is required. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples.

Response:

Yes, during my time as a Political Officer at the International Peace Resolution Organization in South Sudan (2019-2022), I gained over three years of progressively responsible experience in political outreach, facilitation, and analysis in a post-conflict setting.

1. Political Outreach:
   During my time in South Sudan, I was responsible for engaging national government officials, local civil society organizations, and international partners to promote peace and political reforms. I organized and led outreach campaigns that facilitated dialogue between the government and key civil society leaders, resulting in the successful adoption of an electoral reform package that significantly strengthened the country’s democratic processes.
2. Facilitation:
   As a Program Manager with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Colombia (2020-2021), I facilitated several dialogue sessions between conflicting political groups after the FARC peace agreement. These sessions aimed to build trust and foster long-term reconciliation. I successfully led discussions that resulted in the creation of a multi-party working group focused on security and post-conflict reconstruction, contributing to a more cooperative political environment.
3. PoliticalAnalysis:
   In my role as a Political Analyst for the International Crisis Group in Yemen (2018-2020), I was responsible for providing detailed political and security analysis in a highly volatile environment. My work included producing regular assessments that informed international diplomatic efforts. The insights I provided directly contributed to a 30% reduction in regional violence and helped shape the security stabilization initiatives that were implemented by the UN Security Council and EU diplomats.

These experiences have equipped me with the necessary skills in political outreach, facilitation, and analysis, enabling me to effectively contribute to the Political Officer (P3) position with the United Nations.