Senior Relations and Liaison Assistant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) promotes sustainable towns and cities and is the UN system's focal point for urbanization. Located in Nairobi, this role within the Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division's Events Unit supports the organization's strategy to convene stakeholders for sustainable urban development and advance global urban policy implementation.
Job Purpose
This role supports UN-Habitat's mandate to promote sustainable urban development by facilitating constructive relationships with host country authorities, government ministries, diplomatic missions, and UN agencies. It ensures compliance with agreements and protocols, manages external queries, and supports the organization of high-level events. The position contributes to effective stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and the advancement of UN-Habitat's work globally by coordinating event agendas, preparing official correspondence, and drafting reports. It also plays a part in translating global urban policy commitments into practical implementation through dialogue and partnership facilitation.
Responsibilities
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with host country authorities, government ministries, diplomatic missions, and UN entities. Facilitate compliance with Host Country Agreements and diplomatic protocols, and support senior management on organizational entitlements and privileges. Serve as a primary contact for national, regional, and local government officials, coordinating follow-up on policy and operational matters. Collect and maintain information on relevant government and international developments impacting host country relations. Build and maintain relationships with civil society, NGOs, private sector, educational institutions, and media to promote UN-Habitat's image and mandate. Liaise with government partners and counterparts to share program updates and follow up on urban development issues. Prepare diplomatic correspondence, briefing notes, speeches, press releases, and meeting reports. Support the organization of high-level visits and events, coordinating logistics and protocol. Manage external queries and ensure timely responses. Assist in preparing and facilitating workshops and meetings. Supervise and mentor junior staff in liaison and stakeholder engagement practices. Draft routine correspondence and reports, and assist with data collection, analysis, and visualization for reporting and decision-making.
Work Experience
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 is required. Experience with UN System privileges and immunities administration is essential. Two years of experience within the UN Common System or a similar international organization is desirable, as is experience in drafting official correspondence and data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning & Organizing, Data analysis, Database management, Budget/work programme management, Human resources management, Communication, Stakeholder engagement, Protocol, Liaison practices.