Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Director of UNOOSA.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of UNOOSA are: to serve as the secretariat of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its subsidiary bodies, as the executive secretariat of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems and its Providers’ Forum, and as the secretariat of the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group and its subsidiary bodies; to implement the United Nations Programme on Space Applications and the Programme on the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response; to maintain the Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space; and to discharge the responsibilities of the Secretary-General under the United Nations Treaties and Principles on Outer Space and related resolutions. More information on UNOOSA is available from the following website: www.unoosa.org.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the major trends affecting outer space activities and scientific and technical activities of the States Members of the United Nations. Knowledge of project management, business development and partnership building. Knowledge and understanding of theories knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to international space law and policy. Knowledge of policies and practices in national space activities as well as the mandate of the programme of the United Nations on the international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. Demonstrated conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources. Ability to interpret, develop and present results and formulate conclusions, recommendations and opinions in a clear and concise manner. Ability to develop tailor-made capacity-building programmes and ability to deliver training courses and presentations on space law and policy. Knowledge of administrative, budgetary and financial policies and procedures. Ability to apply judgement in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to analyse and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management in a succinct manner. Showing pride in work and in achievements. Demonstration of professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Demonstrated ability to meet commitments, observe deadlines and achieve results. Demonstrated motivation by professional rather than personal concerns. Persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Taking responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas. Thinks “outside the box”. Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international law, international relations or related field is required. A first level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Specialization in a field relevant to international space law and policy is desirable. Please explain how you meet this criterion.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in project or programme management, administration related to space matters, space policy, international governance or related area is required. Work experience in implementing activities in a space-related field is required. Work experience in developing partnerships and fund raising in the international environment with governmental counterparts and institutional key stakeholders (such as Permanent Missions and international organizations) is required. Work experience in international space law and policy, including legal analysis, research and writing, is required. Work experience in organizing, developing, and delivering capacity-building and training courses on space law and policy is desirable. Work experience within the United Nations common system or a similar international organization is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This temporary position is available for eleven (11) months. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection may be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Vienna is classified in the H category (family duty station).

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.