United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the Special Assistant to the Deputy Executive Director (Programme) position in the Office of the Executive Director in New York.
This is a P-4 level Fixed Term Appointment within the Programme Support category. The successful candidate will work closely with senior UNFPA leadership, providing strategic, programme, policy and operational support to the Deputy Executive Director (Programme).
The application deadline for the position is 20 July 2026 at 11:59 PM New York time.
UNFPA Special Assistant Job 2026: Overview
Here are the key details prospective applicants should know:
Organization: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Position: Special Assistant to Deputy Executive Director (Programme)
Office: Office of the Executive Director
Job ID: 35199
Grade: P-4
Job Category: Programme Support
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment (FTA)
Duty Station: New York, United States
Application Deadline: 20 July 2026 at 23:59 (America/New York)
About the UNFPA Special Assistant Position
The Special Assistant will be based in UNFPA’s Office of the Executive Director and report directly to the Deputy Executive Director (Programme) while reporting functionally to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Executive Director.
The role involves supporting the Deputy Executive Director in effectively responding to programme and policy matters while contributing to the development and provision of strategic and policy guidance. The successful candidate will also work with the wider Office of the Executive Director team on different functions and initiatives.
UNFPA is the United Nations agency focused on sexual and reproductive health. Its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan focuses on accelerating progress towards the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will provide high-level strategic and operational support to the Deputy Executive Director (Programme).
Major responsibilities include:
- Preparing briefing notes, presentations and talking points for meetings, missions and speaking engagements.
- Supporting and managing working arrangements and schedules.
- Liaising between the Deputy Executive Director and relevant organizational units, including Programme Divisions and Regional Offices.
- Monitoring actions requiring the Deputy Executive Director’s attention and ensuring appropriate follow-up.
- Providing strategic and operational advice relating to programming, performance monitoring and technical matters.
- Reviewing documents and recommending input into Executive Board documents, correspondence and other important materials.
- Preparing briefings and following up on decisions associated with inter-agency groups, working groups and external forums.
- Coordinating with other Special Assistants within the Office of the Executive Director.
- Supporting secretariat functions for the UNFPA Executive Committee.
- Reviewing and analysing Executive Committee submissions and contributing to agendas and meeting minutes.
- Supporting coordination of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Directors’ agendas and commitments.
- Providing additional support for activities and initiatives led by the Executive Director and her Office.
Education Requirements
Applicants should possess an advanced university degree in one of the following or a related field:
- Business Administration
- Programming
- Public Health
Candidates should ensure their educational qualifications are clearly presented in their application.
Experience Requirements
Applicants are expected to have at least seven years of relevant professional experience at national and international levels.
UNFPA is also looking for candidates with:
- Superior writing and editing abilities.
- Excellent spoken and written English.
- Familiarity with the United Nations system and particularly UNFPA policies and procedures, which is considered an asset.
- Good knowledge of UN reform and UN Development Group agencies.
- Strong computer application skills.
- Familiarity with UN development programmes and working methods, particularly UNFPA’s agenda, policies and programming procedures.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required for the UNFPA Special Assistant position.
Good knowledge of French and/or Spanish is highly desirable, while working knowledge of other official United Nations languages is considered an asset.
Required Competencies
UNFPA is seeking candidates who demonstrate integrity, commitment to the UN system, cultural awareness and an ability to embrace change.
Core competencies for the position include:
- Achieving results
- Accountability
- Professional expertise and business acumen
- Analytical and strategic thinking
- Teamwork and relationship management
- Effective communication
Candidates should additionally demonstrate strong analytical capacity, policy advisory experience, programme coordination capabilities, planning and multitasking skills, knowledge management abilities, and strong written and verbal communication skills.
Salary and Benefits
UNFPA states that the successful candidate will receive an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive net salary, health insurance and other applicable benefits.
The vacancy announcement does not specify an exact salary amount.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may be particularly suitable for experienced professionals with backgrounds in international development, public health, programme management, public policy, business administration, strategic planning or related areas.
Because this is a P-4 level position requiring seven years of relevant experience, applicants should carefully assess whether their academic qualifications and professional experience meet the stated requirements before submitting an application.
Experience within the United Nations system is advantageous but is not listed as an absolute requirement. Familiarity with UNFPA policies, procedures and programming is specifically identified as an asset.
How to Apply for the UNFPA Special Assistant Job 2026
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official UNFPA recruitment process and ensure that all required information is provided accurately.
The vacancy is listed under Job ID 35199, and applications must be submitted by 20 July 2026 at 23:59 New York time.
Candidates are encouraged to apply well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Important Notice for Applicants
UNFPA does not charge application, processing, training, interviewing or testing fees during its recruitment process. The organization also states that it does not concern itself with applicants’ bank account information.
Applicants should therefore be cautious of individuals or websites requesting payment while claiming to facilitate recruitment for UNFPA.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the UNFPA Special Assistant to Deputy Executive Director (Programme) Job 2026 is:
20 July 2026 at 23:59 (America/New York).
Qualified applicants interested in building or advancing a career within the United Nations system should review the requirements carefully and submit their applications before the closing date.
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