UN Women: Special Assistant for the Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, UN System Coordination, and Programme Results, New York, USA, P4 FTA

About the role

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. The Assistant Secretary‑General (ASG) for Normative Support, UN System Coordination and Programme Results leads the development of strategies and work programmes in policy development, operations, programme management, oversight and implementation, normative support and UN System coordination, providing leadership and management guidance to staff in these areas aligned with the Executive Director’s vision and UN Women’s Strategic Plan. The Special Assistant to the ASG provides timely analytical information, coherent policy advice, and proven ability to work under pressure and with discretion in a sensitive, challenging environment. Excellent communication and organization skills are required to manage the substantive and normative agenda.

Responsibilities

• Provide coordination and liaison support to the ASG/Deputy Executive Director (ASG/DED): coordinate and provide technical support in interactions with other UN entities; process and prepare the ASG/DED’s participation in meetings, missions and key events; manage the ASG/DED’s agenda, evaluate and track important events and advise on priorities and critical engagements; ensure effective communication and coordination with Divisions, Sections, field offices, key partners and stakeholders; assist in preparation and follow‑up to meetings and key corporate initiatives; maintain close contacts with the Executive Director’s Office and the Office of the DED/ASG for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships, bringing matters requiring personal attention to the ASG/DED and formulating options for handling and follow‑up.
• Provide technical support to the ASG/DED: deliver substantive and technical support including sound policy inputs for representation duties; identify, research, analyze, prepare and organize information and briefing materials to facilitate decision‑making and leadership; prepare outlines, draft papers, speeches and talking points; prepare briefing and research materials for engagements; provide editorial assistance by drafting, clearing and editing speeches, reports, correspondence, briefing documents, statements, papers and policies.
• Provide substantive support to the ASG/DED’s strategic management role: establish a system for timely monitoring and analysis of critical issues for review and action; ensure timely follow‑up to directives, including effective dissemination of pertinent information to senior management and relevant staff; support strategic management of the pillar under the ASG/DED’s oversight; assist in meeting deadlines related to organizational reports.
• Provide high‑level administrative and logistical support: participate in public official engagements within the UN System, ensuring liaison across UN Women sections, adequate representation and protocol arrangements; manage planning and organization of official travel, including timely preparation of travel files and background documents by relevant divisions and units, and prepare or ensure preparation of official travel reports.
• Perform other duties within the functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Supervisory responsibilities

The incumbent leads the Front Office team, consisting of one General Service staff member and affiliate personnel (consultants and interns) where applicable.

Competencies

Core values

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity

Core competencies

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Functional competencies

• Strong planning, goal‑setting, prioritization and organizational skills
• Excellent skills and substantive knowledge in gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Demonstrated negotiating, cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills
• Well‑developed people management skills
• Ability to provide information, tools and resources to support work achievement
• Effectiveness orientation and pro‑activity
• Ability to leverage information technology, executive information systems, management techniques and tools for optimal office performance
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral
• Excellent drafting skills with the ability to edit and clear reports, speeches and correspondence
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Demonstrated sensitivity, tact and diplomacy, comfortable with handling external relationships at all levels
• Ability to work in a highly pressured environment
• Strong sense of responsibility, confidentiality and accountability

Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, political science, international relations, business administration or management, public administration or related field. A first‑level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively varied responsible experience with international organisations.
• Experience in preparing speeches and presentations for senior management is required.
• Previous experience in supporting head office management and coordination functions is required.
• Experience working on gender equality, women’s rights and international development cooperation is desirable.
• Experience working within the UN System is highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) is desirable.