Special Assistant to Director, Programme Division
Organizational Context
The Special Assistant reports to the Director of the Programme Division, providing crucial support across operational, planning, managerial, technical, and coordination aspects of the Division's work. This role acts as a key interface, fostering collaboration within and outside the Division. UNFPA is the lead UN agency dedicated to delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, aligning with the ICPD Programme of Action and the SDGs.
Job Purpose
The Special Assistant to the Director of the Programme Division plays a vital role in supporting the Director's responsibilities. This position provides comprehensive assistance across operational, planning, managerial, technical, and coordination functions within the Division. The incumbent serves as a primary point of contact, facilitating seamless day-to-day operations and ensuring effective communication and collaboration among all internal and external stakeholders. By supporting the Division's integrated and systems-strengthening approach, the Special Assistant contributes directly to the achievement of UNFPA's strategic objectives and mandate.
Responsibilities
The Special Assistant provides essential backstopping for the Director's planning and management functions, analyzing documents, and advising on necessary actions. Responsibilities include drafting statements, correspondence, and briefing materials, and maintaining communication with various units, offices, and partners to gather information and provide feedback. The role involves coordinating the Division's contributions to reports and offering technical support by preparing substantive analyses, summaries, and position papers. Additionally, the Special Assistant monitors task implementation, supports the Division's Office Management Plan, and facilitates the Director's participation in corporate initiatives and meetings, ensuring follow-up on decisions. Coordination with Regional Offices and inter-Divisional collaboration are also key duties.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in civil service, international affairs, global health, or a related field is required. Experience within the UN system is desirable. Strong interpersonal, coordination, facilitation, organizational, and analytical skills are essential, along with proven initiative and sound judgment.
Skills
Core competencies include integrity, commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, cultural diversity, change embrace, results achievement, accountability, professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, and teamwork. Functional skills encompass business acumen, basic project management, management systems implementation, innovation, client orientation, organizational awareness, systems thinking, sound judgment, and technical expertise in UNFPA's substantive areas.