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. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.
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.
Ensure 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; and managing schedules.
Provide effective liaison between the DED (P) and relevant organizational units in particular, the Programme Divisions and the Regional Offices.
Schedule and monitor actions for the DED (P)’s attention and follow-up related requirements. Provide strategic and operational advice to the DED (P) in the areas of programming, performance monitoring, and technical issues.
Support the DED (P) in managing critical demands, including by reviewing and recommending input to Executive Board documents and other incoming documents and correspondence.
Assist 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.
Maintain close collaboration with the Special Assistants to the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director (Management), and bring to the attention of the DED (P) matters that require his/her attention, and provide advice on how to follow-up on these issues.
Coordinate the work of the staff that directly support the DED (P) and ensure the efficient delivery of support.
Provide, in collaboration with the Special Assistants to the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director (Management), secretariat functions for the UNFPA Executive Committee (EC) In this context, review and analyse EC submissions, contribute to the preparation of the EC agenda and minutes, liaise and follow up with EC members on matters relating to priority agenda items, provide feedback to EC members and follow up on EC decisions.
Under the direction and guidance of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Executive Director, work with the Special Assistants to the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director (Management) to ensure effective coordination of the agendas and commitments of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Directors.
Under the direction and guidance of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Executive Director, work with other OED staff, and, in particular the other Special Assistants, to provide input and support to the various activities and initiatives under the leadership of the Executive Director and her Office.
Perform any other task as requested by the DED (P) and the Chief of Staff, OED.
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.
