Special Assistant, Political Affairs

UN Secretariat; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Secretariat in New York seeks a Political Affairs Officer / Special Assistant within OSCSEA to support the Special Coordinator (USG) by analyzing political events and preparing reports for senior UN officials on sensitive matters.

The role involves drafting notes, background papers, talking points, and speeches, coordinating with state institutions and civil society, and providing recommendations to guide policy actions and follow-up on instructions.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field with strong analytical and written communication skills.
• Experience in high-level policy analysis and drafting for senior officials.
• Ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders and maintain sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Identify and flag contentious issues to the USG for timely attention.
• Prepare analytical reports, background papers, talking points, and speeches for senior officials.
• Liaise with state institutions, civil society, and diplomatic community on policies addressing exploitation and abuse.
• Provide updated information and actionable recommendations to senior officials and other UN sectors.
• Coordinate follow-up on instructions and assist with staff planning and budget-related administrative tasks.
• Represent the office in relevant forums and participate in conferences as needed.

Skills

Professionalism

Communication

Planning and Organizing

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent in political science / IR / international economics / law / public administration

Job description

Organizational context: This position is within the Office of the Special Coordinator on Improving the United Nations Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSCSEA) at UN Headquarters in New York. The office supports the Secretary-General's efforts to strengthen the UN's response to sexual exploitation and abuse across peacekeeping, humanitarian, development, and human rights sectors. The role reports directly to the Special Coordinator.

Job purpose: The Political Affairs Officer / Special Assistant serves as a key support to the Special Coordinator (USG), managing and analyzing political and related events to provide early warning advice. The role involves preparing analytical reports and drafting correspondence for senior UN officials on sensitive matters for bodies like the General Assembly and Security Council. This position acts as a focal point for information analysis, liaises with external stakeholders including state institutions and civil society, and provides recommendations on policy and actions. The role also coordinates follow-up on instructions, supports administrative functions, and represents the office in relevant forums, contributing to the UN's coordinated response to sexual exploitation and abuse.

Responsibilities: The Special Assistant is responsible for identifying and bringing contentious matters to the USG's attention, analyzing political events for early warning, and preparing analytical reports and papers for senior officials. Duties include drafting notes, background papers, talking points, and speeches. The role serves as a focal point for political information analysis and liaises with state institutions, civil society, and the diplomatic community on combating sexual exploitation and abuse. The incumbent provides updated information and recommendations to senior officials, maintains contact with other UN sectors and international organizations, and briefs representatives. Additionally, the role involves participating in conferences, coordinating follow-up on instructions, and assisting with administrative functions related to staff planning and budget.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or a related field is required.

Work experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required. This includes at least five years of experience working in the front office of a senior official within an international organization, with experience at both headquarters and country levels.

Skills: Professionalism, Communication (speaking, writing, listening, interpreting), Planning and Organizing (goal setting, prioritization, time management, risk assessment).

Required languages: English

Desired languages: French