Special Assistant
Organizational Context
The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) within the UN Secretariat manages the resident coordinator system, supporting the 2030 Agenda and the UN 2.0 shift. This Special Assistant role is in the Front Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) in New York, reporting to the Chief of Staff. The Front Office guides DCO's strategic direction and stakeholder engagement.
Job Purpose
The Special Assistant supports the ASG in leading the strategic direction, coordination, and management of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO). This involves establishing and maintaining key relationships with UN partners, including the Executive Office of the Secretary-General and the Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group. The role also facilitates coordination with UN agencies, funds, programmes, and Secretariat departments. A significant aspect of the position is contributing to substantive written outputs such as background papers, talking points, and analyses to support the ASG and the Front Office's strategic objectives and effective functioning within the evolving UN 2.0 framework.
Responsibilities
Manage engagements with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely substantive and administrative support for productive interactions. Oversee the ASG's calendar, identifying critical matters and assisting in formulating action plans, with follow-up as directed. Coordinate diverse documents and communications, including analytical reports, briefing notes, talking points, and correspondence. Review mission-related documentation for senior official consideration and endorsement. Establish and maintain working relationships with UN partners, international organizations, host governments, and civil society. Represent the UN in meetings and provide substantive support. Advise senior officials on political implications and recommend courses of action.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in areas like political science, international relations, development management, or conflict resolution is required. Essential skills include dialogue facilitation, mediation, negotiation, and communicating complex matters to diverse audiences. Experience with confidentiality, integrity, and relationship building is also required.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Communication, Knowledge of UN mandates, Conflict analysis, Political economy analysis, Data analysis, Drafting, Project management, Dialogue facilitation, Mediation, Negotiation, Confidentiality, Integrity, Relationship building.