Intergovernmental Affairs Officer

Organizational Context

This position is within the Disarmament and Peace Affairs Branch (DPAB) of the General Assembly and ECOSOC Affairs Division (GAEAD), Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) at the UN Secretariat. DGACM facilitates intergovernmental dialogue by providing comprehensive conference and parliamentary services globally. GAEAD specifically supports the deliberation and decision-making processes of UN bodies and conferences.

Job Purpose

The Intergovernmental Affairs Officer, reporting to the Chief of Branch, plays a crucial role in facilitating intergovernmental dialogue and decision-making. The incumbent will assist in planning, coordinating, and supervising secretariat services for various UN bodies, including the General Assembly and ECOSOC, and their subsidiary organs, as well as UN conferences. This involves preparing procedural notes, managing voting procedures, ensuring timely documentation, and providing expert guidance to presiding officers and delegates on organizational, procedural, and administrative matters. The role also includes preparing analytical reports, drafting correspondence for senior officials, and maintaining key relationships with delegates and international organizations, leveraging technology to enhance these functions.

Responsibilities

The Intergovernmental Affairs Officer is responsible for assisting in the planning, coordination, and supervision of secretariat services for sessions and meetings of the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and their subsidiary bodies, as well as UN conferences. This includes serving as Secretary/Deputy Secretary for assigned intergovernmental bodies. Key duties involve preparing procedural notes for presiding officers, managing voting and election procedures, and ensuring the timely and accurate issuance of all meeting documentation. The role requires providing continuous guidance and advice to elected officers on work organization, negotiations, rules of procedure, and administrative issues, utilizing information and communication technologies. Additionally, the incumbent will prepare summaries and analytical reports on meeting proceedings, follow up on decisions, draft correspondence for senior UN officials, and maintain contact with delegates and international organizations.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in international relations, law, diplomacy, or a related field is required. Essential experience includes providing substantive support to intergovernmental processes and legislative machinery within an international organization like the UN, and familiarity with the procedures, policies, and practices of major international bodies. Experience advising intergovernmental body leaders and data analytics are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Client Orientation, Technological Awareness, Managing Performance, Political awareness, Negotiating and diplomatic skills, Knowledge of intergovernmental processes and rules of procedure, Documentation management, Communication, Advisory skills.

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