Special Assistant and Communications Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established to address critical issues surrounding sexual and reproductive health, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, reaching more than 80% of the world’s population. The organization focuses on various aspects of reproductive health, gender-based violence prevention, and the empowerment of women and girls, among other objectives. UNFPA's mission is guided by its Strategic Plan for 2026-2029, which aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 203

• The organization emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who can navigate complex global challenges and deliver high-impact results.

Job Overview:
The Special Assistant and Communications Analyst plays a crucial role in supporting the UNFPA Country Representative in Sudan. This position involves providing operational, planning, managerial, technical, and coordination support across various functions of the Country Office. The Special Assistant acts as a key interface between different units within and outside the Country Office, ensuring the smooth flow of management information and facilitating timely operations. The role requires a proactive approach to managing the Representative's schedule, preparing for meetings, and coordinating events, while also producing substantive analyses and reports that inform decision-making processes. The Special Assistant is expected to engage in external communications and partnerships, supporting the development of advocacy initiatives and philanthropic partnerships that align with UNFPA's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Special Assistant and Communications Analyst include:

• Administrative and Operations Support: Assisting in the preparation for internal and external meetings, attending meetings to take notes, and following up on action items. Drafting and disseminating correspondence, coordinating the Representative's participation in events, and ensuring timely follow-up on decisions related to key organizational priorities.
• Technical Support: Preparing briefing sheets for meetings, providing substantive analysis of management reports, and facilitating communication between the Front Office and field office teams. Coordinating the preparation of position papers and major reports, advising on emerging policy priorities, and conducting research on thematic areas relevant to UNFPA's work.
• Philanthropy Partnerships: Collaborating with the Partnership and Communications Specialists to develop external communications, serving as a liaison with external groups, and supporting advocacy initiatives. Identifying opportunities for philanthropic partnerships and crafting tailored proposals to engage private sector partners.
• Special Projects: Leading or participating in special projects as assigned by the Representative, contributing to organization-wide initiatives, and undertaking additional tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Special Assistant and Communications Analyst position should possess strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage internal and external relations effectively. They should demonstrate a commitment to UNFPA's mission and values, including integrity, cultural diversity, and adaptability to change. The role requires excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as a high level of emotional intelligence to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Candidates should also have a strong analytical mindset and the ability to think strategically about programmatic priorities and resource mobilization.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in communications, international relations, public administration, or a related field is required for this position. A master's degree would be an advantage, particularly in areas related to development studies, public health, or gender studies. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the UN system and the specific challenges faced in humanitarian and development contexts.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3-5 years of relevant experience in administrative support, communications, or project management within an international organization or non-profit sector. Experience working in a UN agency or similar environment is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of managing complex tasks, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and delivering high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNFPA. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, given the context of the position in Sudan. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the region or UN operations.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Category E hardship duty station and is a non-family duty station. The Rest and Recuperation (R&R) cycle for Khartoum is 4 weeks, and international staff movement is restricted to UN vehicles. Candidates should be prepared to live and work in challenging conditions, requiring flexibility and resilience. As an international UN Volunteer specialist assignment, the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and will receive a volunteer living allowance to support a basic and safe lifestyle. This allowance varies based on local living costs, but all international UN Volunteers in the same location receive the same allowance.