Chief, Political Affairs and Advocacy Branch, Office of the Executive Director (OED)
Organizational Context
The Chief, Political Affairs and Advocacy Branch is situated within the Office of the Executive Director (OED) and reports to the Chief of Staff. OED provides strategic leadership and support to advance UNFPA’s mandate and priorities. The Branch acts as the primary capability for executive political affairs and Member State engagement, offering political intelligence and strategic advice to executive leadership.
Job Purpose
This role provides leadership and strategic direction for UNFPA’s executive-level political affairs, Member State engagement, and advocacy functions. The incumbent serves as a senior political advisor to the Executive Director and Chief of Staff, offering critical political analysis, situational awareness, and forward-looking advice on developments impacting UNFPA’s mandate and operating environment. The position oversees strategies for executive engagement with Member States and high-level stakeholders, ensuring prioritized, well-prepared, and systematically followed-up interactions to build relationships and advance UNFPA’s strategic priorities.
Responsibilities
The Chief leads the Political Affairs and Advocacy Branch, advising executive leadership on geopolitical developments, Member State positions, and political trends relevant to UNFPA. This includes providing timely situational awareness, political analysis, and strategic advice, directing the preparation of briefs and analysis, and maintaining an overview of political dynamics. The role also involves leading executive-level engagement strategies with Member States, overseeing preparation for high-level meetings, and representing OED as needed. Furthermore, the Chief develops political advocacy strategies to enhance support for UNFPA’s mandate, guides strategic outreach, and builds relationships with key political stakeholders. The position also supports high-level engagement coordination, diplomatic arrangements, and ensures alignment between political engagement, advocacy, and communications. Finally, the Chief provides strategic leadership and management for the Branch, fostering a high-performing team culture and ensuring effective collaboration across organizational units.
Work Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in political affairs, diplomacy, international relations, multilateral affairs, strategic advocacy, or development cooperation. Extensive experience advising senior executive leadership, engaging with Member States and senior government officials, and analyzing complex political developments is required. Experience in developing and implementing engagement and advocacy strategies, strong diplomatic and leadership skills, and experience within the UN system or a comparable organization are highly desirable.
Skills
Strategic thinking, analytical skills, political analysis, Member State engagement, advocacy strategy development, relationship management, diplomatic skills, leadership, team management, organizational awareness, and communication. Core competencies include integrity, commitment, diversity, accountability, and professionalism.