UNFPA Assistant Job 2026: Special Assistant to the Executive Director in New York – Eligibility, Responsibilities, Salary and How to Apply

Overview

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is hiring a Special Assistant to the Executive Director in the Office of the Executive Director in New York, United States. The post is P-5, full-time and fixed-term for one year with possible extension, and reports to the Chief of Staff. It combines executive support, policy analysis and stakeholder coordination, with exposure to senior UN leadership, Member States and international partners.

UNFPA works on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, population issues and the rights and well-being of women, girls and young people. Its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan aims to speed progress on the International Conference on Population and Development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

What you will do

The Special Assistant supports the Executive Director's daily agenda, including scheduling, correspondence, meetings and information flow, and prepares briefing materials, presentations and talking points. The role covers preparing, coordinating and following up field missions, possibly accompanying the Executive Director, and tracking decisions and commitments. It also leads the UNFPA Executive Committee Secretariat, reviews technical papers and policy briefs with concise recommendations, and contributes to UNFPA's role in meetings such as the UN General Assembly, Commission on the Status of Women, Commission on Population and Development, High-Level Political Forum and Executive Board.

Requirements

Applicants need at least a master's degree in social sciences, international relations, public administration, development studies or a related field, and at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation, international affairs or a related area. Direct support to senior executives is highly desirable, as is knowledge of UNFPA's mandate, reproductive health, monitoring and evaluation, and UN reform. Fluent English is required and other UN languages are an asset.

What you get

The package includes a competitive net salary, health insurance and other applicable benefits.

Key dates

The application deadline is 6 September 2026 at 17:00 New York time.