Adviser economic and social affairs (P3 / P4) - Office of the IPU Permanent Observer to the United Nations

The Adviser will maintain and enhance interaction between the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations in New York, promoting IPU positions and developing cooperation on economic and social issues. The role involves following UN deliberations, contributing to IPU strategies on development, and maintaining cooperation with the US Congress and other international organizations.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of cooperation, at both policy and operational levels, between IPU Headquarters and various UN bodies, as well as with foundations, universities and think tanks based in the United States.
• Follow the work of the UN on daily basis, identify areas of interest for interaction with the IPU and, prepare factual and analytical reports as needed.
• Participate in and contribute to UN consultations, in particular on matters pertaining to sustainable development.
• Help build and maintain professional relationships with key UN officers, assist in the identification of entry-points for joint project opportunities and in the follow-up and implementation of the respective programs.
• Assist the Head of the NY Office in representing IPU at different United Nations bodies and offices and in advocating IPU positions on specific issues.
• Assist programme officers in the design of projects and operational activities flowing out of official UN processes.
• Participate and represent the IPU when delegated to do so, in working groups, inter-agency meetings and advisory bodies on development-related areas where IPU is an institutional partner.
• Assist in preparing and facilitating participation of IPU delegations to UN meetings.
• Prepare, in consultation with programme officers at Headquarters, draft statements to be presented at the United Nations.
• Assist in organizing IPU events in New York, Washington DC, and at international conferences (IPU or UN).
• Ensure a regular flow of information regarding the IPU and its activities towards the United States Congress, and maintain close contact with key congressional staffers.
• Assist with the drafting of budget documents, extra-budgetary proposals, and other institutional report related to the New York Office as needed.
• Contribute regularly with articles and other inputs to IPU information products (i.e. eBulletin, website).
• Coordinate with the Division of Support Services for administrative, legal, finance and human resources matters related to the New York Office.

Requirements

• University degree in law, political science, international affairs, sustainable development, or journalism.
• At least 7 years of experience in political research or international relations.
• Excellent reading and writing skills in English; working knowledge of French will be an asset, knowledge of Spanish, Arabic and/or other languages will be an advantage.
• Previous experience of working in a parliamentary environment will be a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge of international politics and current affairs and development cooperation.
• Familiarity with the functioning and structure of national parliaments, as well as of the United Nations system.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent drafting and editing skills.
• Demonstrated initiative in delivering complex work products.
• Experience with political and/or advocacy campaigns.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Ability to establish priorities, to plan and monitor own work plan and to work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
• Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate orally.
• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications (e.g., word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet).
• Good interpersonal skills; Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Skills

• Political Research
• International Relations
• Parliamentary Environment Knowledge
• International Politics
• Development Cooperation
• United Nations System Knowledge
• Research Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Drafting Skills
• Editing Skills
• Advocacy Activities
• Organizational Skills
• Work Planning
• Deadline Management
• Oral Communication
• Written Communication
• Computer Proficiency
• Word Processing
• Excel
• Power Point
• Internet Research

Languages

English, French