SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS, (Fixed-Term Limited)

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. This is a Fixed-Term Limited position located in the Office of the Executive Director, Nairobi Duty Station. Under the overall supervision of the Executive Director and direct supervision of the Chief of Staff, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Support and advise the Executive Director through: i) Coordination of strategic prioritization of all communications addressed to the Executive Director, reviews and comments on them, suggests courses of action and if appropriate, assigns them directly for action to a Division/Regional Office and monitors progress of preparation. ii) Review of documents reflecting UN-Habitat policies for substance and style, submits for final clearance to the Executive Director. iii) In consultation with UN-Habitat Senior Management, monitors, identifies and brings to the attention of the Executive Director and Chief of Staff in the office of Executive Director, emerging policy and managerial issues. iv) Identify issues requiring attention and/or intervention by the Executive Office and coordinates and develops recommendations for action in coordination with Chief of Staff in the office of Executive Director, relevant managers and staff. Follows upon decisions taken. v) Oversight and coordination of background briefing material for the Executive Director. Maintains liaison with Divisions and serves as the contact point between the Executive Director, Executive Office, Senior Management and UN-Habitat Regional and Liaison Offices: i) Liaise with senior management on missions/travel and ensures adequate feedback to senior management on the outcome of the official missions and follows-up as appropriate. ii) Liaise closely with the Deputy Executive Director, Chief of Staff and the Executive Office team, keeping abreast of key developments on strategic issues. iii) Manage the Executive Director's day-to-day commitments, serves as point of referral on requests for appointments with the Executive Director and on problems which require the Executive Director's attention. iv) Ensure prompt and efficient communication and coordination between the Executive Director and UN-Habitat Divisions and Offices. v) Together with the Chief of Staff, reviews communications prepared for signature by the Executive Director for substance and style and clears them for the Executive Director's signature. vi) Working with the Divisions and relevant staff, drafts correspondence for and on behalf of the Executive Director, including confidential correspondence. Supports the Executive Director's meetings: i) Assist the Executive Director in planning for and participating in meetings of the UN-Habitat Assembly (UNHA), the Executive Board and the Committee of Permanent Representatives, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Group UNSDG and the Chief Executives Board. ii) Ensure that the Executive Director is effectively able to participate in (and lead, when appropriate) meetings with the UN-Habitat Senior Management Team, Executive Committee, and other internal bodies as necessary. iii) Ensure that the Executive Director has relevant briefing material for meetings with senior managers, colleagues, members of the diplomatic community, and visiting government, UN, Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) officials. iv) Support the Executive Director during these meetings. v) Maintain meeting records and ensure necessary follow-up action is undertaken in a timely manner. Supports the Executive Director to maintain close contact with governments, delegations, senior officials of the UN, UN system organizations: i) Facilitate effective communication and contacts between the Executive Director and these bodies/organizations. ii) Bring to the attention of the Executive Director and Chief of Staff, Executive Office issues relevant to UN-Habitat's bilateral relations with governments and inter-agency cooperation. iii) Receive and reviews confidential communications from governments and drafts correspondence for and on behalf of the Executive Director, including confidential correspondence to governments and Permanent Missions. iv) Identify, analyzes and monitors political developments, particularly in the regional context, as well as trends and emerging issues that could affect the work of UN-Habitat. v) Assess implications and make recommendations to senior management on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives. vi) Support the Executive Director in the performance of his/her functions, including the provision of policy advice on issues as appropriate. Supports the Executive Director's missions: i) Coordinate the preparation of extensive briefing materials and mission files for the Executive Director, ensuring the materials from other offices are submitted in a timely manner and are of high quality. ii) In collaboration with the Spokesperson, finalise all speeches and statements to be delivered by the Executive Director, in close consultation with the submitting office. iii) Guide the Executive Director's Administrative Assistant on all logistical preparations for mission travel, in cooperation with relevant substantive colleagues (particularly in regional/outposted offices) and external interlocutors. iv) Assist in follow-up actions arising from missions, including the finalization of the Executive Director's mission reports and dissemination of relevant information to colleagues in other parts of UN-Habitat. Support the development and implementation of UN-Habitat Programme of Work, relevant national, sub-regional and regional strategies and plans and devises innovative mechanisms to enhance UN- Habitat's responsiveness to country/regional needs: i) Support the coordination of UN-habitat's engagement and commitments in relevant UN System- wide processes and initiatives including the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR), the Chief Executive Board (CEB), United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) processes, and Development and Aid Effectiveness. ii) Maintain liaison with and provide consolidated UN-Habitat inputs into relevant UNSDG Task Teams and Working Groups to strengthen UN-habitat's leadership role in mainstreaming sustainable urbanization; guide the identification and integration of relevant Sustainable Development Goals priorities, policies and plans into UN-Habitat's programming and country level processes at strategic and operational level. Data-related responsibilities: i) Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. ii) Perform any other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director and the Chief of Staff.

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to political systems, institutions, and processes. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with 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. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. PLANNING AND 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. 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 reflect own position, shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Advanced university degree in business administration, management, law, political science, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Leadership or executive support certifications, e.g., Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Executive Assistant Professional credentials are desirable.

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience in human settlements related project or programme management and/or development, executive administration, support and advisory, or a related area is required. A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in an Executive Office of a Head of Entity in an international organization is required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience in international and multilateral relations is required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience in managing a busy front office is required. Experience within the United Nations common system or a similar international organization is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

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

This post is Fixed Term - Limited Duration position. Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Candidate selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA - limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10, who are selected for a position subject to FTA-limited will be reassigned to the position without a lien to their parent position. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNOPS which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. 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. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 28 February 2026 are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.