This position is located within the Office of the Director (OD), United Nations Offoce for Outer Space Affairs (UNNOOSA), in Vienna, Austria. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer supporting the Director, and under overall guidance of the Director, UNOOSA.

The Office of the Director (OD) is responsible for assisting the Director discharge the responsibilities of the Secretary-General under the United Nations Treaties and Principles on Outer Space and related resolutions, among which the maintenance of the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space. OD also supports the Office’s overall direction, administration and management, leads external relations and public information activities, oversees coordination and cooperation with entities involved in space-related activities, and implements assigned partnerships, initiatives and activities, among which World Space Forum, Space for Women, Space Economy, Space for Youth, Space for Climate Action, Promoting Space Sustainability and Enhancing International Expertise in Registration of Space Objects.

For more information on UNOOSA, please visit: www.unoosa.org .

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority the Political Affairs Officer will perform the following specific duties:

Contribute to the implementation of treaty obligations under the United Nations Treaties and Principles on Outer Space and related resolutions delegated to the Office by the Secretary-General, including the maintenance of the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space and the dissemination of information relating to the recovery of space objects, launch and re-entry of nuclear-powered satellites and other events relating to the exploration and use of outer space.
Monitor, review and verify registration information submitted by Member States; prepare registration documents and other treaty-based notifications for official issuance; and substantively support the maintenance of the online components of the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space and related portals and tools.
Develop and implement various analysis, reporting and quality control mechanisms to improve data flows and data quality, data analytics and use other strategies to enhance communication with stakeholders on registration of space objects; collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
Maintain an up-to-date awareness of the near-Earth and deep-space space object population to assess effectiveness of global treaty implementation. Bring high-interest events, such as orbital fragmentation events, to the attention of the Director. Prepare necessary information for managers to respond to space-related events.
Utilise open-source orbital data and off-the-shelf software to model and produce graphical visualisations of orbital trends and events, such as general orbital analysis, manoeuvre and conjunction modelling, trajectory and impact predictions, etc. for use by the Director, the Executive Office of the Secretary-General and the United Nations System in general.
Maintain an up-to-date awareness of planned space missions and proactively engage with Member States on possible treaty implementation, such as notifications concerning the launch of nuclear-powered space objects. Ensure that any such information is effectively disseminated.
Serve as the Office’s focal point to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on issues relating to the launch and/or re-entry of nuclear-powered space objects or other high-interest space objects as well as participating in meetings related to the Inter-Agency Committee on Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies (IACRNE).
Provide technical support and assistance on developments in key space-related matters, and early warning signals on trends (including geopolitical trends) that will affect space sustainability and intraregional engagement and cooperation in the use, exploration, safety and sustainability of outer space activities and operations.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of latest trends, developments and events relating to the conduct of space activities, such as, space traffic management, mega-constellations, debris, sustainability of outer space activities and related matters.
Keep abreast of the deliberations, decisions and recommendations of the UN Security Council, General Assembly, and UNCOPUOS and Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its subsidiary bodies as it relates to space activities. As necessary, provide inputs to those intergovernmental bodies.
Gather, select and analyse information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press and other public sources related to global space activities.
Bring political issues arising from space activities as well as relevant information and events to the attention of the Director.
Draft written outputs, including statements, briefing notes, reports, background papers, studies, and inputs to publications and outreach matters on related matters.
Organize, and contribute to, capacity-building, advocacy and expert activities, events and meetings to enhance international expertise related to the registration of space objects; support Member States and States Parties to implement their international commitments related to registration, including providing technical advisory services and assistance.
Undertake outreach activities, make presentations on assigned topics/activities, as well as provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc. to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
Participates in engaging and coordinating with Member States, registration focal points, space related entities, other intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, United Nations system entities, including service providers, as well as the private sector.
Maintain relationships with the donor(s) to assigned partnerships, initiatives and activities (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.), and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, budget performance submissions, etc.).
Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge of the mandates of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and of national, regional, and international space activities of Member States. Has knowledge and understanding of space sustainability, space traffic management related matters, space debris and registration of space objects. Has very good analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, manage, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. Has ability to analyze and interpret information and data in support of decision-making and convey information succinctly to management. Is adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings. Has ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Has conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in one or more of the following disciplines, is required: space technology, space science, space engineering, political science, international relations, business administration and public administration. A first level university degree in space technology, space science, space engineering supplemented by advanced courses in one or more of the above-mentioned disciplines in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in providing political analysis, facilitation, advice and reporting in a space-related field is required.

Experience related to the licensing, authorization and registration of space objects is required.

Experience in data analysis in using space-related information and data to inform decisions, strategies and execution is required.

Experience related to safety and sustainability of space activities, risk assessments, and new and novel space activities is desirable.

Experience in organizing capacity-building activities, providing technical assistance is desirable.

Experience in working in the office of a senior official, conducting research, preparing briefing notes and statements, and drafting reports is desirable

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

Vienna is classified in the H category and is a family duty station.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 June 2023, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.