Civil Affairs is a term used by both the United Nations and by military institutions (such as the US military), but for different purposes in each case.
The UN uses the term "Civil Affairs" differently from other - mainly military - institutions. Civil affairs officers in UN peace operations are not military officers but are civilian UN staff members who are often at the forefront of a mission’s interaction with local government officials, civil society, and other civilian partners in the international community.

Definition: "UN Civil Affairs components work at the social, administrative and sub-national political levels to facilitate the countrywide implementation of peacekeeping mandates and to support the population and government in strengthening conditions and structures conducive to sustainable peace.",

There are currently around 500 UN Civil Affairs Officers in 13 UN Peacekeeping Operations worldwide.