Special Assistant to the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs
Organizational Context
The Special Assistant role is situated within the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) at the UN Secretariat in New York. This office provides crucial support and advice to the Under-Secretary-General and Assistant Secretaries-General, overseeing the planning, coordination, management, and assessment of DESA's extensive work program.
Job Purpose
The Special Assistant to the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs plays a vital role in supporting the Under-Secretary-General's strategic objectives. This position involves preparing policy notes and strategic proposals on major development issues, advising on program and policy matters, and monitoring emerging development trends relevant to UN intergovernmental processes. The role also entails managing correspondence, ensuring effective preparation and follow-up for high-level meetings with Member States and other stakeholders, and coordinating substantive preparations for key UN bodies like the General Assembly and ECOSOC. Furthermore, the Special Assistant acts as a key liaison, fostering partnerships and representing the department's interests within and outside the organization, contributing significantly to the overall management and impact of DESA's work.
Responsibilities
The Special Assistant is responsible for preparing policy notes and strategic proposals on social, economic, and sustainable development issues, with a focus on international cooperation. They will advise the Under-Secretary-General on departmental program and policy matters, and monitor new or emerging development issues relevant to UN intergovernmental processes. Key duties include overseeing correspondence flow, ensuring effective preparation and follow-up for meetings with senior representatives, and coordinating substantive preparations for the General Assembly and ECOSOC discussions. The role also involves serving as a primary liaison with internal and external officials, liaising with delegations, establishing partnerships, and performing other duties to support senior management processes.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience is required in areas such as international relations, socioeconomic research and analysis, policy formulation, or development program application. Experience in economic, social, and sustainable development at both international and national levels is essential, as is experience supporting senior officials in an intergovernmental or diplomatic setting.
Skills
Professionalism, strong analytical skills in development issues, knowledge of the UN system and intergovernmental processes, effective communication (written and verbal), teamwork, leadership, and sound judgment/decision-making are essential.