SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS, P4

• Organisation: OSCSEA - Office of the Special Coordinator on Improving the United Nations Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
• Location: New York
• Contract: J
• Deadline: 5 November 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the Special Coordinator on Improving the United Nations Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSCSEA) in the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This Office supports the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General and the leadership of United Nations offices, departments, funds and programmes, along with other implementing partners, to strengthen the UN's response to sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, humanitarian, development and human rights sectors. The Incumbent reports directly to the Special Coordinator (USG) on improving the United Nations response to sexual exploitation and abuse.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer / Special Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Responsible for bringing to the attention of the USG all contentions matters requiring the USG’s engagement. • Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to ASG/USG or Head of Mission. • Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials. • Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment. • Liaises and maintains close working relations with officials of state institutions, civil society organizations, and the diplomatic and the donor community on coordination and policy matters related to combating sexual exploitation and abuse. • Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take. • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. • Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise. • Coordinates with the Office’s staff to ensure appropriate follow-up regarding the implementation of the Special Coordinator’s instructions and guidance on both administrative and substantive matters, and review and ensure coordinated submissions of substantive reports and documents. • Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Competencies: • Professionalism – Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related field is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Minimum of five years of experience working in the front office of a senior official of an international organization is required. Experience working both at Headquarters and country-level of an international organization is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Desirable Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

French UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available for six (6) months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations