Policy Assistant, Political 4 - UN Horizontal issues Section

We are looking for an enthusiastic and service-minded candidate to fill the post of Policy Assistant in the Political Section 4 – UN Horizontal Issues (UNGA, ECOSOC, administration, financial and budgetary issues).

About the role

The European Union Delegation to the United Nations in New York works in close coordination with the 27 EU Member States to speak with one voice. The EU also collaborates with the UN secretariat, its agencies, funds, and programs on a range of global issues and challenges.

The Policy Assistant will serve under the supervision of the Head of UN Horizontal Issues Section, providing support, expertise, and assistance in substantive work on UN accountability, including oversight mechanisms (internal: Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), and external: UN Joint Inspection Unit (JIU)), as well as the internal appeal system for misconduct and system-wide strategies for UN internal organization and accountability.

The team consists of 3 people, and occasional atypical working hours may be required. The role may evolve based on the needs of the Delegation.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Section in coordinating experts from EU Member States in intergovernmental negotiations on agenda items of the UN General Assembly Fifth Committee, primarily on accountability-related issues, while providing support on other agenda items as required.
• Support work related to:
  • System of Administration of Justice (AoJ) at the UN
  • Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) reviews and annual program of work
  • Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS)
  • Administration of internal justice
  • Activities of the Ethics Office
• Represent the EU on behalf of the Head of Section when necessary.
• Draft policy language for negotiations and support consultations within the EU27 and with like-minded countries, as well as negotiations in the General Assembly.
• Contribute to drafting reports, analyses, and political assessments for EU headquarters on UN developments, negotiations, and meetings on topics under responsibility, including coverage of the UNGA General Debate.
• Assist with coordination tasks in close consultation with the Press, Information, and Coordination Section, including:
  • Preparation of policy and strategy papers, analytical materials, and mappings on horizontal and political issues for EU Deputy Permanent Representatives.
  • Support for preparations for the UNGA Ministerial/High-Level Week, including covering UN consultations, drafting speaking points, reports, and correspondence.
  • Creating and maintaining planning overviews of UNGA High-Level Week events in collaboration with EU headquarters and Member States.
  • Developing comprehensive overviews and statistics on the alignment of EU candidate countries to EU statements at the UN and their voting patterns.
  • Assisting with the coordination and consolidation of input for the Annual Management Plan (AMP) of the EU Delegation and the annual Delegation’s record of achievements under Lisbon Treaty obligations.
  • Contributing to cross-sectional briefs and speaking points for the Head of Delegation and Deputy Head of Delegation for bilateral meetings and UN discussions.

This job function may be slightly modified in accordance with the needs of the Delegation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (required); master’s degree is an asset.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in public administration and/or international relations, acquired after obtaining the qualification allowing access to the post.
• Thorough working knowledge of written and spoken English.
• Applicants must have an existing and valid US work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the Delegation (e.g., EAD card, green card, US citizenship, or G1/G3 visas for spouses of EU officials posted at an EU Member State Mission to the UN).

Qualifications

• Willingness to work flexible hours as required.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong coordination skills, including active listening, effective consultation, and information-sharing with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Capacity to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including presenting complex matters simply, demonstrating solid analytical skills, and producing high-quality briefing notes and reports.
• Adaptability to new technology and digital tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a positive, proactive, and solution-oriented attitude; ability to work effectively and remain calm under pressure.
• Openness to cultural diversity.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including identifying and defining problems, gathering and analyzing relevant information, and developing practical solutions.
• Excellent organization and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple files simultaneously, plan ahead, and monitor implementation and follow-up.
• Data analysis skills are considered an asset.
• Experience with the work of the UN General Assembly Fifth Committee is considered an asset.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package, including personal leave days and public holidays.
• Flexible working hours.
• Health and dental insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.

Pay

Salary ranges from $89,000 to $97,000 annually, dependent on relevant and verified employment experience (e.g., $89K for 2 years of experience, $93K for 6 years, $97K for 10 years).

Schedule

• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.
• 2-year contract with the possibility of two renewals, leading to a maximum employment term of 7 years under successive fixed-term contracts. There is a possibility of an indefinite contract after seven years, subject to budgetary availability and operational considerations.
• Expected start date: October 1, 2026.