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Local Consultant – Special Assistant to the Director of UN System, African Union and Multilateral Engagement

Washington D.C. | New York City

  • Organization: WFP - World Food Programme
  • Location: Washington D.C. | New York City
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
    • International Relations
    • Administrative support
    • Labour Market Policy
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)

Location: New York

Start Date: 8 January 2018

Duration: 6 months

Background:

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. Born in 1961, 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. On average, WFP reaches more than 80 million people with food assistance in 75 countries each year. About 11,500 people work for the organization, most of them in remote areas, directly serving the hungry poor. WFP work towards that vision with our sister UN agencies in Rome -- the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) -- as well as other government, UN and NGO partners.

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 Director.

Summary of Key Functions:

The Special Assistant to the Director of UN System, African Union and Multilateral Engagement will provide timely and analytical information and coherent policy advice. 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 the following duties:

  • Support the Director in the performance of her functions, including consolidation of inputs on policy and other documents as appropriate;

  • Support the Director in her interactions with UN, member states and other external entities by working closely with liaison staff of senior officials of those entities;

  • Manage the Director’s agenda; evaluating and keeping track of important events, meetings and advising her of priorities and critical meetings requiring her presence and making necessary arrangements for participation;

  • Ensure the timely preparation of relevant background documents and the organization of briefings for meetings; ensure the relevant staff are informed and/or called to attend in a timely manner. Assist in the follow-up to meetings, including the preparation of relevant notes and briefing to staff, as appropriate;

  • Draft and review substantive correspondence as well as edit and clear briefing notes, talking points, meeting notes prepared by others, notes for the file, presentations;

  • Manage correspondence, review incoming and outgoing correspondence, and refer to, and hold consultations with, appropriate units/officers within WFP. Take initiative in drafting and preparing correspondence for the Director’s signature;

  • Act as the Performance and Risk Management Champion (PARC) for the office and coordinate the process of Annual Performance Plan and Risk Assessment

  • Coordinate WFP New York internal meetings and retreats, as well as annual performance and work planning, including preparation of agenda and minutes, ensuring the timely submission and circulation of relevant background documents and reports;

  • Maintain close contacts with the Executive Board Secretariat with a view to inform Members of the Board on relevant intergovernmental processes in New York. In coordination with the Executive Board Secretariat, prepare analytical briefs on these issues for the Members of the Board, formulating options as to how those matters might impact WFP, as directed;

  • Provide strategic support to the Director on the planning of and preparations for high level events

  • Ensure information management, including the coordination of the New York Office’s weekly update for WFP Senior Management;

  • Manage the planning and organization of the Director’s official travel, including the timely preparation of official travel files and background documents by the relevant divisions and units as well as prepare or ensure the preparation of official travel reports;

  • Support executive travel to NY, including supporting the organization of meetings and preparing relevant briefs in advance of the visit, providing logistical support as needed during the visit itself;

  • Support the lead External Relations Officer in the ensuring daily coverage of priority UN activities

  • Perform other official duties and special assignments which may be requested by the Director.

Impact of Results:

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.

Key competencies:

  • 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.

Qualifications:

Education

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

    Experience

  • 3 to 5 years of experience with WFP and/or the UN system. Humanitarian/development field experience is desirable.

    Language Requirements

  • Strong written and spoken English skills.

  • Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS Deadline: 18 November 2017 11:59 PM New York Time

Candidates should apply to the position by sent CV and cover letter to newyork.infoservice@wfp.org

This position is open to candidates who are authorized to work in the United States. Candidates should be US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, or holders of a valid G4 visa at the time of their application and whose G4 visa has been acquired on account of their employment in the UN Systems based in New York.

WFP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply. Please note that WFP does not charge fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

This vacancy is now closed.
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