UN Special Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development, with a focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was established to enhance the coordination of development efforts across the UN system, ensuring that the UN's work is aligned with the needs of member states and the global community.

Job Overview:
The UN Special Assistant position is situated within the Front Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) in New York. The role is pivotal in supporting the ASG in strategic direction, coordination, and management of DCO activities. The Special Assistant is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with key UN partners, including the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and the Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). This position requires the preparation of substantive written outputs such as background papers, analyses, and talking points to support the ASG and the Front Office. The incumbent is expected to have prior experience in a similar role, demonstrating the ability to manage complex interactions and provide high-level administrative support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Special Assistant will manage the senior official's engagements with both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely provision of substantive and administrative support. Responsibilities include overseeing the ASG's calendar, coordinating a variety of documents and communications, and reviewing mission-related documentation for senior official consideration. The role also involves leading the establishment of working relationships with UN partners and other stakeholders, representing the UN in various meetings and conferences, and advising senior officials on political implications of developments and trends. The Special Assistant must ensure effective follow-up on matters requiring the ASG's attention and contribute to the overall strategic objectives of the DCO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of UN mandates related to peace and security, as well as conflict analysis techniques. Professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and effective communication abilities are essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to analyze data and convey information effectively to management is crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, social sciences, anthropology, law, public administration, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in fields such as political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or civil affairs is required. Candidates should have skills in dialogue facilitation, mediation, and negotiation, as well as the ability to communicate complex matters to diverse audiences. Experience in project management and relationship building is also desirable.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the UN, but there are no additional desirable languages specified for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on funding availability. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants who have reached the mandatory age of separation are not eligible to apply. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.