Agency: United Nations Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG),
Team for Pact Implementation (TPI)
Duration of Assignment: Initially 1 year (with the possibility to extend up to 2 years)
Note: This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by Canada and is addressed to candidates with Canadian nationality.
Candidates must be max. 32 years old as of 31 December of the year of application (i.e. born on or after 01/01/1994)
More information on the Canadian JPO Programme can also be found on the following website:
Global Affairs Canada
II Duties, responsibilities and Output Expectations
Within delegated authority, the Junior Professional Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Support relevant thematic research and analysis on issues pertaining to Pact for the Future implementation.
• Draft talking points, briefing notes, analytical briefs, background papers, report summaries, and other materials for the Team for Pact Implementation and senior UN officials.
• Support the Secretariat servicing for the Steering Committee including drafting minutes and facilitating follow up to outcomes of the Steering Committee meetings
• Support Team for Pact Implementation in tracking progress on implementation of the Pact by the UN system and support in drafting of updates and analytical pieces relating to implementation progress
• Support the convening of meetings and events that advance Pact implementation with relevant partners
• Support Team for Pact Implementation’s engagements with Member States, the UN system and larger network of relevant stakeholders and follow relevant intergovernmental processes
• Support Team for Pact Implementation in the implementation of its communication strategy, including preparing communication materials, updating Pact website, drafting social media and other communication products as needed
• Support in fund-raising for the above activities.
• Performs other duties as required.
III Training component: Learning elements and expectations
On completion of the assignment, the JPO will have been extensively exposed to the operations of the United Nations; understanding the nature of its dynamics and how it interlinks with the multilateral system. The incumbent will learn (a) the relevant research and information to support the implementation of Our Common Agenda; (b) how the United Nations engages with Member States and global stakeholders to support global commons and global public goods; (c) effective management of meetings and communications with a range of internal and external stakeholders; (d)
opportunity to observe and learn how decision-making happens at the highest levels in the United Nations.
IV Supervision
Title of Supervisor: Senior Programme Officer Content and methodology of supervision: Establishment of a Work Plan: During the first month of the assignment, the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will work jointly with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed upon work plan.
The final work plan will be discussed and mutually agreed to by the JPO and his/her supervisor. Evaluation: The United Nations Performance Evaluation System (e-performance) will serve as a primary platform to evaluate of the JPO’s performance. Regular informal performance evaluation will take place
periodically. Supervision and guidance will be provided on a continuing basis.
V Required Qualifications and Experience
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international humanitarian law / human rights, or other degree in social sciences. A first- level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, development and/or humanitarian work with governments, international organizations, NGOs or research institutes. Field experience with the UN or other intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations is an advantage. Strong research, analysis, and writing skills preferred. Proven organizational skills and ability to develop clear goals and identify priority activities and assignments preferred.
Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.
Other skills:
Proficiency in computer applications, including internet, word processing, spreadsheets, graph and chart making, and databases desirable.
UN competencies:
PROFESSIONALISM: 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.
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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions
may not entirely.
Workforce Diversity
The United Nations believes that an inclusive culture attracts the best talent and encourages all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, cultural or religious backgrounds, to apply.
VII How to apply
Applicants should submit their application electronically directly to the Organization.
Please apply online via:
https://owa.undesa.it/oas/oas.aspx?CMD=START&CP=16
More information on how to apply can also be found on the following website:
https://jpo.desa.un.org/
Applications must be received no later than 04 February 2026, 6.00 pm (Eastern Standard Time UTC-5, New York USA). Applications received after this date will not be considered. Applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted thereafter.
VI Background information on Agency/Department/Section
On September 10, 2021, the UN Secretary-General launched Our Common Agenda, offering his vision for more inclusive, networked and effective multilateralism better suited to the challenges of an interconnected world in which no community or country can solve its challenges alone. The report (A/75/982) was prepared as a response to the UN75 Declaration, in which Member States requested the Secretary-General to make recommendations to advance our common agenda and address current
and future challenges.
In General Assembly Resolution A/RES/76/6 of 3 November 2021, the General
Assembly welcomed the “rich and substantive” Common Agenda report as a basis for further consideration. The Assembly has requested the Secretary-General to inform and engage Member States as well as other partners on follow-up action and called upon the President of the General Assembly to initiate intergovernmental consideration of the proposals. As we now move forward towards the implementation of Our Common Agenda’s recommendations, the Executive Office of the Secretary-General oversees the follow-up process.
This position is located in the ”Our Common Agenda” team in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG), established to deliver the Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda report and to facilitate stakeholder
engagement, provide technical policy advice, communications, fundraising, budgeting, and administration. The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will report to the Common Agenda Project Director and work closely with the Project Manager responsible for managing the Common Agenda team.
This position is funded from extra-budgetary resources.