Special Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the lead UN agency focused on ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health services. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to achieve transformative results in maternal health, family planning, and the elimination of gender-based violence, reflecting its commitment to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Special Assistant to the Director of the Office of Audit and Investigation Services (OAIS) plays a crucial role in supporting the operational, planning, managerial, technical, and coordination aspects of the office's work. This position is vital for ensuring that the OAIS effectively contributes to the overall objectives of UNFPA by enhancing operations, risk management, and accountability through its internal audit and investigation services. The Special Assistant will assist the Director in managing the office's responsibilities, ensuring that initiatives are executed efficiently and that the office meets its reporting obligations to stakeholders. The role requires a proactive approach to support the planning, monitoring, and tracking of OAIS's work, as well as facilitating communication and collaboration both internally and externally. The Special Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining relationships with other audit and investigative units, ensuring that OAIS's agreements and reporting are timely and accurate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Special Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting the planning and monitoring of OAIS's work; tracking performance and results against the office's priorities; providing technical and substantive inputs as needed; coordinating internal and external communications and collaborations for the Director; maintaining the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and other agreements with other Internal Audit Services and Investigative units; ensuring timely reporting to donors and relevant stakeholders; and assisting in the preparation of reports for the Executive Board, Executive Director, and Executive Committee. The role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while ensuring that the office's objectives are met.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Management, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in oversight, law, audit, or risk management is required, preferably at the international level. The ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal and coordination abilities, and experience working within the UN system. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the values of integrity, cultural diversity, and change.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Management, or a closely related discipline. This advanced education is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the operational environment of UNFPA.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as oversight, law, audit, or risk management. This experience should ideally be gained in an international context, providing the candidate with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and dynamics involved in such roles. Familiarity with the UN system is highly desirable, as it will enable the candidate to navigate the organizational structure and processes effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of other official UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including a net salary and health insurance, along with other applicable benefits. UNFPA is committed to creating a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and promotes a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. UNFPA emphasizes equal opportunities in recruitment, training, and compensation, regardless of personal characteristics. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. Importantly, UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.