Programme Officer (Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary-General)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (OASG) of the United Nations Global Compact Office (UNGCO) at Headquarters in New York. The United Nations Global Compact is the United Nations' voluntary corporate sustainability initiative in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption. It revolves around ten universal principles drawn from four key international instruments in these areas. The Global Compact Office is the United Nations entity responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Global Compact initiative. It pursues two complementary objectives: (1) making the Global Compact and its principles part of business strategy and operations everywhere; and (2) facilitating cooperation among key stakeholders by promoting partnerships and collective action in support of the United Nations (UN), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Programme Officer (Special Assistant to the ASG) reports to the Assistant Secretary-General of the UN Global Compact Office and works closely with the Chief of Staff. ResponsibilitiesWithin limits of delegated authority, the Programme Officer (Special Assistant to the ASG) will be responsible for the following duties: • Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned special projects in relation to corporate sustainability and the United Nations Global Compact Office.Monitors and analyzes project implementation. Reviews relevant documents and reports on behalf of the Assistant Secretary-General; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions. Liaises with relevant colleagues across the Office and around the world; identifies and tracks follow-up actions to make the best use of the Assistant Secretary-General's time. • Researches, analyzes and presents information to the Assistant Secretary-General gathered from diverse sources with respect to the implementation of the Global Compact's mandate. • Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends related to corporate sustainability and the role of business in contributing to sustainable development. Supports various research activities as requested by the Assistant Secretary-General. • Keeps the Assistant Secretary-General informed of all matters requiring his/her personal attention, assists in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled, and ensures appropriate follow up. • Prepares various written outputs including written summaries of the Assistant Secretary- General's meetings, minutes of Executive Management Team meetings, as well as drafting of trip reports. Coordinates and drafts correspondence for the ASG's signature. Drafts background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies and provides inputs to publications. • Provides substantive and organizational support for the Assistant Secretary-General's meetings, conferences, and official Missions. This includes proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparing briefing documents, talking points and presentations. • Supervises General Service staff working on the Global Compact Office's administrative and operational matters and providing administrative support for the Assistant Secretary- General. • Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participates in or leads missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Performs other duties as requested by the Assistant Secretary-General. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches related to corporate sustainability, business leadership, and sustainable development. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience collaborating with the private sector leaders on a wide range of issues is required. A minimum of two years of experience working in the United Nations or a similar large organization on responsible business/corporate sustainability is required. Experience in preparing executive documents, briefs, papers, and summaries on a wide range of topics related to responsible business practices is desirable. Experience managing medium sized projects and project teams is desirable. Experience collaborating with the private sector to promote corporate sustainability is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. 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).