Special Assistant to the CEO and UN SRSG

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), an initiative launched by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 201

• SEforALL aims to accelerate progress on the energy transition in emerging and developing countries, working at the intersection of energy, climate, and development. The organization is hosted by UNOPS and operates globally, partnering with governments and organizations to end energy poverty, double energy efficiency, significantly expand renewable energy, and combat climate change. SEforALL promotes a vision where everyone can lead a dignified life on a healthy planet powered by sustainable energy. The organization has a global mandate and collaborates with various stakeholders to push for higher ambitions, stronger policies, and faster results toward an inclusive energy transition.

Job Overview:
The Special Assistant to the CEO and UN SRSG will be embedded within the Executive Office, working closely with the Chief of Staff, Deputy CEO, Executive Management Committee (EMC), and global stakeholders. This role is crucial for driving workflow efficiency, synthesizing complex policy briefs, coordinating official international missions, and supporting special strategic projects across SEforALL's global agenda. The Special Assistant will manage executive workflows, coordinate high-level stakeholder relations, and ensure that the CEO/SRSG is well-prepared for engagements, summits, and proceedings. The position requires a proactive approach to support the leadership team in implementing the organization's strategic direction and fostering collaboration across teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Special Assistant will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day execution of core workflows and strategic priorities for the CEO/SRSG. This includes drafting and synthesizing comprehensive briefing materials, managing the CEO/SRSG’s daily schedule, and overseeing communication flow. The role involves accompanying the CEO/SRSG on official international missions, coordinating mission reporting workflows, and serving as a liaison with counterpart Special Assistants in key stakeholder organizations. Additionally, the Special Assistant will conduct research and analytical tasks, contributing to executive knowledge-sharing across SEforALL programme teams and ensuring integration and dissemination of data and strategic contacts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in International Relations, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, Energy, Environment, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. An advanced degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) in a relevant field is desirable and may compensate for some years of experience. A minimum of 2 years of professional work experience at the national or international level in executive management support, administration, partnerships, protocol coordination, or diplomatic support is required. Proven experience supporting senior/executive leaders within international organizations or government entities is essential. Familiarity with energy transition, Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), climate change, or international development frameworks is also desired.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in relevant fields such as International Relations, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, Energy, Environment, Business Administration, or Economics. An advanced degree (Master's Degree or equivalent) is considered an asset and may compensate for some years of experience, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of professional work experience at the national or international level. Candidates should have experience in executive management support, administration, partnerships, protocol coordination, or diplomatic support. Proven experience in supporting senior/executive leaders, such as Directors, CEOs, SRSGs, Ministers, or Ambassadors, within international organizations or public sector entities is essential. Demonstrated experience in preparing executive briefing notes, drafting high-level talking points, and organizing international missions or summits is also desired, along with familiarity with energy transition and climate change issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Russian at an intermediate level is desirable. These language skills will enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in international settings.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the Associate seniority level (ICS 08) and is offered as an ongoing ICA contract, which is open-ended and subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The application deadline is set for midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including women and underrepresented groups. Background checks are conducted for all final candidates to ensure compliance with UNOPS standards.