Special Assistant to the Director At World Food Programme

JOB TITLE:

Special Assistant to the Director of UN System, and Multilateral Engagement**

TYPE OF CONTRACT:

Local Consultant

UNIT/DIVISION:

UN System, and Multilateral Engagement (NYC Division)

DUTY STATION (City, Country):

New York, USA

DURATION:

6 months initially

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. On average, WFP reaches more than 80 million people with food assistance in 75 countries each year. WFP pursues a vision of the world in which every man, woman and child has access at all times to the food needed for an active and healthy life.

In New York, WFP advances its mandate through strategic engagement with key stakeholders in the multilateral, inter alia, permanent missions, the Secretariat, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the UN funds and programmes based in New York, private sector entities, civil society organizations, media and news outlets, and academia, among others. The Special Assistant position is located in the New York Office and reports to the Deputy Director.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Special Assistant to the Director of UN System and Multilateral Engagement will provide timely and analytical information and coherent support to the Director. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in a sensitive and challenging environment. The position requires excellent organization and communication skills.

Within the relevant delegated authority, the Special Assistant will be responsible for providing direct support to the Director of UN System and Multilateral Engagement duties:

1. Ensuring accurate input and background, on issues related to the UN System and Multilateral engagement, and providing timely advice to the Director, as appropriate;
2. Overseeing coordination and consolidation of inputs received from Partnerships Officers for official documents, including, inter alia, briefings, remarks, position papers, and official correspondence;
3. Engaging with UN System and Multilateral counterparts to ensure the appropriate representation and participation of the World Food Programme;
4. Ensure coordination for visits, meetings and briefs, with other Special Assistants based in HQ, Regional Bureaus or Country Offices.
5. Managing the administrative elements of the Director’s office, including agenda meetings and events, travel, accommodation, security clearance, etc;
6. Acting as focal point to support all Executive missions to the UN Headquarters;
7. Acting as focal point for engagement with Member State and UN System front offices;
8. Coordinating internal meetings and reports, including the Annual Performance Plan and Risk Register, and ensuring internal information management; and
9. Performing other official duties and special assignments which may be requested by the Director.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency and success of the New York Office. In particular, the key results will ensure overall coordination and will have an impact on the delivery of services and WFP engagement with relevant stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, International relations or related fields.

Eligibility:

It is essential that the applicant has the ability to legally work in the US

Experience:

Experience with WFP and/or the UN and Multilateral system would be an advantage.

Humanitarian/development field experience is desirable.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Action management: Defines work goals and devises plans to attain them. Analyzes potential problems and makes recommendations in a proactive manner.
• Cognitive capacity: Actively seeks information from a variety of sources. Synthesizes information based on a solid understanding of issues.
• Cultural and political understanding: Understands worldwide problems from a broader perspective. Understands interactions among economic, political and cultural factors which contribute to problems or issues.
• Communication: Strong writing skills, provides clear messages and presents complex issues articulately.
• Interpersonal skills: Solicits and incorporates varied concerns and perspectives of others in daily work. Participates in office work in a manner that fosters strong working relationships and trust.
• Teamwork: Recognizes interdependencies in cross-functional work and shares information with colleagues and supervisors.
• Partnering: Develops and maintains effective work relations with partners.

Languages:

• Strong written and spoken English skills.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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