Special Assistant to the SRSG and CEO

Energy is the golden thread that connects economic growth, increased social equity, and the environment that allows the world to thrive.  Energy is a core interest for all countries of the world, and is inextricably linked to many of the global challenges we face. Two years into the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All 2014-2024 and with the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular goal 7 on energy, just adopted, 2016 provides a historical opportunity for Member States and other stakeholders to strengthen our collective approach to energy.

The Secretary-General’s Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) initiative was launched in 2011 to catalyze and mobilize all stakeholders to take concrete action towards three critical objectives to be achieved by 2030: 1. Ensuring universal access to modern energy services; 2. Doubling the global rate of improvements in energy efficiency; and 3. Doubling the share of renewable in the global energy mix. Accomplishing these objectives by 2030 will require action by all countries and all stakeholders.

Active engagement with a broad range of stakeholders is a top priority for Sustainable Energy for All to share lessons and inspire action. An essential part of the mobilization efforts is the support to crucial ongoing intergovernmental processes related to energy, including in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) on Energy, the UN Decade for Sustainable Energy for All, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and key international fora and high-level dialogues.

www.seforall.org

Working directly with the SRSG and as part of the Executive Front Office that supports the SRSG, the Special Assistant to the SRSG will be a dynamic and highly motivated professional providing effective support to the SRSG on a daily basis and ensuring the SRSG’s operational effectiveness.  The Special Assistant will assist the SRSG in all aspects of her duties and will interact with a wide range of people within and outside the UN system, across member states and the business community as well as with the many partners of and SEforALL. The position requires excellent judgement, discretion, interpersonal skills, problem solving capability, and comfort with protocol. This should be ideally underpinned with an analytical mind, clear writing skills and ability to distill discussions, and political understanding. The Special Assistant will report to SRSG.

The Special Assistant’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Workflow management. Support the SRSG and working with the Executive Office team in managing core workflow and outputs on a timely basis, ensuring that the SRSG is able to execute her management and other responsibilities and is prepared for all meetings. Ensure that all follow-up from meetings and interactions is communicated to relevant staff and authorities and is logged and concluded.

• SRSG Positioning. Liaise with the UN Secretary-General’s team and contact for SEforALL to ensure that the SRSG is able to best serve the UNSG and respond to specific requests.

• Communications. Maintain a close working relationship with the media team and Director of Communications to ensure that the SRSG is able to fully execute her role in communications.

• CEO briefings and products. Observe meetings of the Administrative Board and the Senior Management Team as required and to ensure that the SRSG is able to function effectively as CEO of SEforALL. Communicate decisions to members of staff and management on behalf of the SRSG and CEO and represent the SRSG/CEO on a specific basis.

• Travel.  Travel with the SRSG, as appropriate. As part of the Executive Office participate pro-actively in the preparation of the travel calendar for the SRSG and ensure that all trips are fully planned and optimized in all respects, including travel arrangements, itinerary, meetings secured, briefing materials, pre-briefing, speeches and other materials. While travelling ensure that the SRSG is on top of her workload and liaise with the office and others to ensure that the workflow continues. While travelling ensure that decisions made, contacts, made and discussions held are communicated in a timely manner.

• The Special Assistant will also finalize notes and minutes upon return from the duty trip and distribute as agreed, preparing the draft BTOMR (Back to Office Mission Report) according to practice on behalf of the SRSG.
  
  
• Interact and lead “from behind” with a variety of partners inside and beyond SEforALL.  The Special Assistant will frequently interact with: staff at all levels within SEforALL, in Vienna, Washington and New York; SEforALL partners including government officials, United Nations (UN) organizations, multilateral development banks, bilateral agencies, and partners in the private sector, civil society, universities and research institutes, etc.

Education and Work Experience:

• Master’s degree or equivalent plus minimum five years of experience in international development, a UN agency or the energy field.

• Experience in a fast paced environment that requires high flexibility and a commitment to results.

• Experience in operating across multiple time zones and with distributed teams.

Languages:

Complete fluency in English with strong written and verbal communication skills is required. Knowledge and ability to work in another UN language desirable. (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Core Competencies:

Ability to interact at the most senior levels of government, business and the UN. At the same time, to be comfortable in working with NGOs and CBOs, the ultimate beneficiaries of much of the SRSG’s work. Appreciation of diplomatic and UN culture as well as cultures of business and civil society.

Excellent written and synthesis skills, including drafting ability and extensive knowledge of word processing and application of software package as databases and Power Point Presentations. Familiarity and appreciation of social media and a clear communicator.

Professionalism;             

Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity. Demonstrate corporate knowledge, Self-development and initiative-taking. Ability to work in a multi-cultural and international environment based on mutual respect and tolerance.  Demonstrates good judgement and discretion when handling sensitive materials.

Ability to exercise good judgement, discretion and tact in handling sensitive issues.

A commitment to the goals of SEFORALL and to sustainable development more broadly essential.

A good sense of humor.

Willingness to 'get the job' done with a positive attitude to take on a wide range of tasks.

Ability and willingness to adjust to ‘beyond the normal’ working hours and manage the work life balance effectively to accommodate differences in time zones.

This position will include exposure to strictly personal and highly confidential information and issues of business confidentiality. Absolute discretion is expected.

Analysis

Demonstrated excellent research and analytical skills that can be applied to gather data and generate knowledge relevant to decision-making functions

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 and is able to work to deadlines and maintain effectiveness under pressure.

Excellent organizational and task management skills, with appropriate attention to details and ability to prioritize work among multiple competing demands, and under tight deadlines.  Ability to manage multiple workflows at the same time.

Proactive approach to managing workflow, with keen ability to multi-task and respond quickly and flexibly to a wide range of issues, some of which come up in ad hoc and unexpected ways.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment where adaptability will be a premier.

Communication:              

Excellent communication skills and proven drafting ability; ability to develop contacts, foster collaboration with UN internal as well as external stakeholders, deliver presentations, advocate for viewpoints and participate actively in internal as well as external debates and negotiations.

Ability to craft messages and communiques, and copy edit work to produce flawless written communications is required.

E-literacy:

Excellent e- skills, including the ability to use modern office technology and related software.

Practical knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software is required. Ability to do internet research, compile information and find solutions on line to information gaps is essential.

Teamwork:

Work within a newly-formed team as well as with colleagues across work units, departments, divisions and with Member States. Support colleagues, establish a team culture, encourage others to participate in teamwork and share responsibility for decision-making and results. 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.

Demonstrated ability to work with teams representing a wide variety of staffing levels that also cut across agencies and partners, and work without direct authority to deliver timely and high quality products.  Strong team player capabilities.