Director, Washington Liaison & Policy Strategy

UN Secretariat; Washington; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Secretariat seeks a senior leader to head the Washington Liaison Office, serving as the organization’s senior representative in Washington, D.C. The role shapes engagement with the U.S.

Administration, Congress, and policy institutions to advance humanitarian priorities and secure funding. The position requires an advanced degree and 15+ years in humanitarian affairs or related fields, with proven leadership, advisory, and policy-shaping experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field; or a first-level degree with 2 additional years of qualifying experience.
• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, international relations, public policy, foreign affairs, humanitarian financing, or related fields.
• Desirable experience includes engagement with the U.S. Administration and Congress, shaping policy outcomes, and international field experience.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and lead the strategic vision and work program for the Washington Liaison Office.
• Serve as OCHA's senior representative and principal strategic advisor on U.S. political, policy, legislative, and funding developments affecting global humanitarian action.
• Shape OCHA's engagement with the U.S. Administration, Congress, and key institutions to advance strategic priorities and strengthen political and financial support.
• Provide authoritative analysis on U.S. foreign policy, humanitarian assistance, and legislative trends, translating insights into actionable recommendations for OCHA leadership.
• Advise senior OCHA officials on U.S. policy dynamics, opportunities, and risks.
• Lead the development and implementation of OCHA's Washington engagement strategy, anticipating developments and positioning OCHA proactively.
• Develop and sustain high-level relationships with U.S. government officials, Congressional members and staff, diplomatic missions, policy institutions, and other influential actors.
• Lead advocacy and resource mobilization efforts targeting the U.S. Government and Washington-based actors to secure funding for OCHA and humanitarian initiatives.
• Represent OCHA in senior-level discussions on humanitarian policy, financing, and response, ensuring OCHA's perspectives inform decision-making.
• Oversee the production of strategic analysis, policy papers, and engagement plans.
• Manage and develop staff, foster teamwork, and oversee administrative and programmatic tasks, including budget preparation and performance reporting.

Skills

Professionalism

Communication

Teamwork

Leadership

Vision

Expert knowledge of humanitarian

International relations

U.S. foreign policy

Humanitarian financing

Strategic advisory

Political judgment

Engagement strategies

Understanding UN mandates

Working under pressure

Gender mainstreaming

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

First-level university degree + 2 years experience

Job description

UN Secretariat seeks a senior leader to head the Washington Liaison Office, serving as the organization’s senior representative in Washington, D.C. The role shapes engagement with the U.S.

Administration, Congress, and policy institutions to advance humanitarian priorities and secure funding. The position requires an advanced degree and 15+ years in humanitarian affairs or related fields, with proven leadership, advisory, and policy-shaping experience.