NOTE: Should an Internal applicant be selected for this opportunity, they will be temporarily reassigned to this post, will retain their current fixed-term or permanent appointment and a lien on their current post for the duration of this temporary opportunity. Should an external candidate will be selected, they will be contracted on a Temporary Appointment. 

The Position:

The Special Assistant post is located in the Office of the Executive Director (OED) and reports directly to the Deputy Executive Director (Programme) and functionally to the Chief of Staff, Office of the Executive Director. 

Under the direction and supervision of the DED (P), the Special Assistant provides support to the DED (P) to carry out the range of responsibilities to effectively and efficiently respond to programming and policy issues and assists the DED (P) in the development and provision of strategy and policy guidance in his/her areas of responsibility. Under the guidance of the Chief of Staff, OED, works as part of the OED team to support various OED functions and initiatives 

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. 

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

You would be responsible for:

• Ensure provision of effective and innovative support to the DED (P) including with regards to working arrangements; preparation of briefing notes, presentations and talking points for the DED (P)'s meetings, speaking engagements, and missions; and managing schedules. 
• Provide effective liaison between the DED (P) and relevant organizational units in particular, the Programme Divisions and the Regional Offices. 
• Schedule and monitor actions for the DED (P)’s attention and follow-up related requirements. Provide strategic and operational advice to the DED (P) in the areas of programming, performance monitoring, and technical issues. 
• Support the DED (P) in managing critical demands, including by reviewing and recommending input to Executive Board documents and other incoming documents and correspondence. 
• Assist the DED (P) in his/her capacity as chair/member of various inter-agency groups, external fora and working groups by preparing briefings, following up on decisions made and liaising with relevant stakeholders. 
• Maintain close collaboration with the Special Assistants to the Executive Director and the Deputy  Executive Director (Management), and bring to the attention of the DED (P) matters that require his/her attention, and provide advice on how to follow-up on these issues. 
• Coordinate the work of the staff that directly support the DED (P) and ensure the efficient delivery of support. 
• Provide, in collaboration with the Special Assistants to the Executive Director and the Deputy  Executive Director (Management), secretariat functions for the UNFPA Executive Committee (EC) In this context, review and analyse EC submissions, contribute to the preparation of the EC agenda and minutes, liaise and follow up with EC members on matters relating to priority agenda items, provide feedback to EC members and follow up on EC decisions.
• Under the direction and guidance of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Executive Director, work with the Special Assistants to the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director (Management) to ensure effective coordination of the agendas and commitments of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Directors. 
• Under the direction and guidance of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Executive Director, work with other OED staff, and, in particular the other Special Assistants, to provide input and support to the various activities and initiatives under the leadership of the Executive Director and her Office. 
• Perform any other task as requested by the DED (P) and the Chief of Staff, OED. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Advanced university degree in business administration, programming and public health related field.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• 7 years of experience in relevant areas at the national and international level; 
• Superior writing and editing skills;
• Excellent command of English in speaking and writing; good knowledge of French and/or Spanish is highly desirable; 
• Familiarity with the workings of the UN and, in particular, UNFPA’s policies and procedures is an asset. 

Other Desirable Skills: 

• Good knowledge of UN reform and UNDG agencies; 
• Fully conversant with computer-related applications; 
• Familiarity with UN development programmes and working methods, particularly with UNFPA’s  agenda, policies and programming procedures. 

Languages: 

Fluency in English is required; working knowledge of other official UN languages is an asset.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies:

• Building and maintaining working relationships
• Planning, coordinating, organizing and multitasking 
• Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness 
• Generating, managing and promoting the use of knowledge and information 
• Facilitating quality programming results 
• Strong analytical capacity 
• Professional experience in policy advice 
• Strong writing and communication skills 
• Knowledge of and commitment to human rights and ethical working practices

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.