Special Assistant to Deputy Executive Director (Programme)

The Special Assistant provides support to the Deputy Executive Director (Programme) in responding to programming and policy issues, developing strategy and policy guidance, and supporting various Office of the Executive Director functions and initiatives. The role involves managing schedules, preparing briefing notes, liaising with organizational units, and coordinating support staff.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring provision of effective and innovative support to the DED (P) including working arrangements, preparation of briefing notes, presentations and talking points, and managing schedules.
• Providing effective liaison between the DED (P) and relevant organizational units, particularly Programme Divisions and Regional Offices.
• Scheduling and monitoring actions for the DED (P)’s attention and follow-up requirements.
• Providing strategic and operational advice to the DED (P) in programming, performance monitoring, and technical issues.
• Supporting the DED (P) in managing critical demands including reviewing and recommending input to Executive Board documents and correspondence.
• Assisting the DED (P) in chair/member roles in inter-agency groups, external fora and working groups by preparing briefings, following up on decisions and liaising with stakeholders.
• Maintaining close collaboration with Special Assistants to the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director (Management), advising on matters requiring attention and follow-up.
• Coordinating the work of staff supporting the DED (P) to ensure efficient delivery of support.
• Providing secretariat functions for the UNFPA Executive Committee in collaboration with other Special Assistants, including reviewing submissions, preparing agendas and minutes, liaising with members, and following up on decisions.
• Working with the Chief of Staff and other Special Assistants to coordinate agendas and commitments of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Directors.
• Providing input and support to activities and initiatives under the leadership of the Executive Director and her Office.
• Performing any other tasks as requested by the DED (P) and Chief of Staff, OED.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in business administration, programming and public health related field.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fluency in English is required; working knowledge of other official UN languages is an asset.
• Exemplifying integrity, demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, embracing cultural diversity and change.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

• Business Administration
• Public Health Programs
• Writing and Editing
• English Language Proficiency
• UN Policies and Procedures
• UN Reform Knowledge
• UN Development Programmes
• Computer Applications
• Policy Advice
• Strategic Planning
• Programme Coordination
• Knowledge Management
• Analytical Skills
• Communication for Impact
• Multitasking
• Briefing Note Preparation
• Stakeholder Liaison
• Ethical Working Practices

Languages

English