Job Title:UN Advisor: New York
Cluster: New York Office
Grade:USD 64,844.68 per annum (Excluding benefits)
Contract Type: Permanent (subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability)
Location:New York, USA
Reports to: Secretary General
Direct Reports:None
Role Overview:
The UN Advisor is responsible for representing CIVICUS at the UN Headquarters. In addition to attending key meetings in New York, the Advisor is required to interpret and synthesise information about global trends in relation to civic space and civil society participation in accordance with CIVICUS’ mission, vision, values, strategic directions and stakeholder needs. The role drives the implementation of CIVICUS’ advocacy and convening priorities at the UN Headquarters and is responsible for the formulation of CIVICUS’ external messaging. The UN Advisor is will oversee network engagement activities with CIVICUS’ members and stakeholders in New York.
Areas of Responsibilities and Key Activities
UN advocacy and Networking
- Follow the UN General Assembly, Commission on Status of Women, High Level Political Forum and other related agendas in New York closely and analyse outcomes from relevant bodies as they relate to civil society.
- Develop and implement strategies to expand emphasis on civic space and civil society participation at the UN.
- Build relationships with the civil society stakeholders, diplomatic community and intergovernmental organizations based in New York to advance civil society participation in decision making.
- Represent CIVICUS at various meetings and events in New York and elsewhere.
- Develop oral and written statements, concept notes for side events, papers, speaking points etc.
Support function for CIVICUS staff and membership
- Interpret UN outcomes relevant to civil society and communicate these to CIVICUS teams.
- Advise various CIVICUS clusters and specialists on UN related engagements.
- Enable CIVICUS members and other civil society stakeholders to participate in UN activities and organise events in New York.
- Produce reports, papers, policy briefs and other written materials for CIVICUS.
- Maintain close working relationship with CIVICUS staff and the New York office.
Represent CIVICUS in New York
- Represent CIVICUS at relevant meetings both inside and outside the UN in New York and share information from meetings with the CIVICUS secretariat and membership
- Steward stakeholder engagement and relationship building in New York.
- Participate in various meetings and workshops, and communicate information about various CIVICUS projects and research findings in New York.
Support Advocacy and Campaigns team
- Follow civil society trends globally
- Draft CIVICUS advocacy responses at key UN and related platforms in New York
- Draft policy briefs, statements and opeds to advance CIVICUS’s mission and vision
Other
- The role holder will from time to time be required to carry out any other duties that are within the scope of the job.
- All staff will demonstrate CIVICUS values and principles in all their professional relationships and any interactions.
Person Specification
Education, Language & Qualifications
- A degree in international relations, law, politics, or relevant social sciences from a reputable university. In cases of exceptional experience, this criterion can be waived.
- Demonstrable experience of engaging with diverse society actors and good networks within civil society.
- English with other languages beneficial.
Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience
- At least 7 years’ experience in an international policy making or in an advocacy environment.
- Sound understanding of international relations and policy making.
- Familiarity with the civil society landscape and global politics.
- Working knowledge of UN systems and processes, especially those pertaining to human rights, including committees and special procedures.
- Ability to synthesize and process information related to development and political issues.
- Ability to understand and implement organizational strategies.
- Ability to network at a high level with diplomats and officials from intergovernmental institutions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of other UN languages would be desirable.
- Sound IT skills, including experience with MS Office and Human Resource Information Systems.
- Commitment to human rights values.
Desirable Knowledge, skills and Experience
- Interpersonal skills
- Presentation skills
- Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
- Event organising skills
The closing deadline for applications is on the 16 July 2025 at 11:59pm SAST
Short listed candidates will be contacted 2 weeks after the closing date to schedule interviews.
We appreciate and consider each application submitted. However, given the large volume of applications received, we find it impossible to respond to each applicant immediately. You will hear from us within three weeks only if you’re shortlisted for the next steps. We will update all applicants once the position has been filled.
CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw any of our vacancies at any time.