Senior Relations and Liaison Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization operates globally, focusing on strategic planning, programmatic direction, and operationalization of the New Urban Agenda, while also managing knowledge, data, reporting, innovation, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships. The Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division (GKAD) is responsible for these functions and is located in Nairobi, where this position is based.

Job Overview:
The Senior Relations and Liaison Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the UN-Habitat's mission by facilitating effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government authorities, diplomatic missions, and UN agencies. This position is situated within the Events Unit of the Communications and Media Section of GKAD, which is tasked with promoting UN-Habitat's work and knowledge on a global scale. The role involves ensuring compliance with Host Country Agreements and maintaining constructive relationships with local and international partners. The assistant will be responsible for preparing official correspondence, managing logistics for high-level events, and supporting stakeholder engagement initiatives that align with the organization's strategic priorities, particularly in relation to sustainable urban development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 1

• The position requires a proactive approach to managing external queries and information flows, ensuring timely responses and effective communication across various platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Relations and Liaison Assistant will undertake a wide range of responsibilities, including: assisting the Head of Office in establishing and maintaining relationships with host country authorities and relevant UN departments; facilitating compliance with diplomatic protocols; coordinating follow-ups on policy and operational matters; collecting and maintaining information on urban policy reforms and developments; establishing relationships with civil society organizations and private sector partners; liaising with government partners to provide information and updates; preparing diplomatic correspondence and official documents; drafting speeches and press releases; organizing high-level visits and events; managing external queries; supervising team members; and assisting in data collection and analysis for reporting purposes. The role also involves mentoring junior staff and ensuring quality control of work outputs, as well as performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in liaison, protocol, external relations, public affairs, or communication within an international organization or diplomatic mission. Experience in UN administrative procedures and operations related to staff privileges is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Desirable qualifications include experience within the UN Common System, drafting official correspondence, and data analytics.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Supplementary training in fields such as International Relations, Law, Public Administration, Diplomacy, Foreign Affairs, or Business Administration is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of ten years in relevant fields such as liaison, protocol, or public affairs. Candidates with a first-level university degree may qualify with eight years of experience. Experience within the UN system or similar international organizations is highly desirable, particularly in areas related to the administration of privileges and drafting official correspondence.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the UN Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset, although not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning candidates must be residents of Kenya or within commuting distance of Nairobi. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.