Special Assistant To Executive Director, New York, USA, P-5 FTA New York, United States Posting Date06/26/2026 BE THE FIRST TO APPLY

Organizational Context

UN Women is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women globally. The Executive Director's Office (EDO) provides crucial support to the Executive Director and leadership team, ensuring effective direction and management of the organization. This role is situated within the EDO, assisting the Executive Director in executing her functions and providing high-level advisory services on strategic priorities.

Job Purpose

The Special Assistant to the Executive Director provides high-quality advisory services on issues related to the Executive Director's strategic priorities. This role supports the determination and engagement around key priorities, coordinates efforts across divisions and stakeholders, and leads or supports special corporate initiatives. The position involves providing policy and advisory services on management and corporate strategic issues, supporting innovation and change management, and identifying operational priorities. Additionally, the role contributes to advocacy and networking to advance UN Women's agenda globally, liaising with various stakeholders to build partnerships and inform the Executive Director of opportunities for strengthening the organization's reach and impact.

Responsibilities

The Special Assistant advises on and helps elaborate the Executive Director's strategic priorities, ensuring coordination across internal and external divisions and stakeholders. They lead or support corporate initiatives, providing technical guidance. The role involves providing policy and advisory services on management and strategic issues, supporting innovation and change management, and identifying operational priorities. The Special Assistant analyzes opportunities, prepares policy proposals, and anticipates risks. They also engage in advocacy and networking globally, liaising with Member States, NGOs, UN agencies, and other partners to build relationships and advance UN Women's agenda. This includes facilitating communication, reviewing correspondence, drafting materials, and managing a team to ensure effective support for the Executive Director.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in international development, with a focus on gender equality and women's rights, is required. Experience in policy and programmatic work, gender advisory roles, and managing complex units is essential. Experience within the UN system at both field and headquarters levels, and in a senior front-office capacity, is highly desirable.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; Strong communication skills (written and oral); Strong interpersonal skills; Ability to work under pressure; Strong sense of responsibility, confidentiality, and accountability; Strong partnership building and networking skills; Strategic thinking; Knowledge of UN Women's goals and operations; Policy and strategy development and implementation; IT and presentation skills.

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