Special Assistant to Deputy Executive Director (Programme), Office of the Executive Director, New York, FTA, P-4

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring 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;
• Managing schedules;
• Providing effective liaison between the DED (P) and relevant organizational units in particular, the Programme Divisions and the Regional Offices;
• Scheduling and monitoring actions for the DED (P)’s attention and follow-up related requirements;
• Providing strategic and operational advice to the DED (P) in the areas of programming, performance monitoring, and technical issues;
• Supporting the DED (P) in managing critical demands, including by reviewing and recommending input to Executive Board documents and other incoming documents and correspondence;
• Assisting 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;
• Maintaining close collaboration with the Special Assistants to the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director (Management), and bringing to the attention of the DED (P) matters that require his/her attention, and providing advice on how to follow-up on these issues;
• Coordinating the work of the staff that directly support the DED (P) and ensuring the efficient delivery of support;
• Providing, in collaboration with the Special Assistants to the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director (Management), secretariat functions for the UNFPA Executive Committee (EC).

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.