SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT, New York, United States

## SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT, New York, United States - Organization:DSS - Department of Safety and Security Organizational Setting and Reporting The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions. This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . Together, we will make the world a better place. For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/ This post is in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security (OUSG) and reports directly to the USG as Senior Special Assistant. Within delegated authority, the Senior Special Assistant (Senior Programme Officer) will be responsible for the following duties: - Takes the lead to develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects, etc. in relation to the programme of work of the office of the Under-Secretary-General; directs programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment in relation to assigned portfolios; leaderships special projects and initiatives. - Directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions. - Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including security policies or programmes and resolutions, in all areas and at all levels. - Directs research and programme evaluation and presents information gathered from diverse sources on matters pertaining to the strategic vision of the Under-Secretary-General and the Department. - Manages compliance, monitoring and evaluation and the Department’s relevant personnel and resources in this regard – strengthening the USG’s implementation of the Department’s strengthened mandate regarding system-wide compliance monitoring under General Assembly resolution 59/276; reviews the assessments of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or research activities and studies. - Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. including on special initiatives supported by the Department or strengthening its relevance and effect within the UN system. - Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. - Manages outreach activities particularly with member state and UN system counterparts; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, etc. towards quality and effectiveness of Departmental working methods and products, makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. - Leads field 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. for the office of the Under-Secretary-General) and ensures that in the preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.) the USG’s vision and direction are incorporated. - Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes trust, collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization. - Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; Guides, evaluates and mentors staff. - Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need. - Undertakes survey and information-gathering initiatives, particularly with partner organizations; guides design of data collection instruments; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. - Perform other duties as required. Professionalism: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy