Special Assistant to the CEO and UN SRSG at The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

We are  recruiting to fill the position below:

 Job Title: Special Assistant to the CEO and UN SRSG

Location: Lagos
Contract Type: ICA – IICA – Regular
Job Category: Programme
Contract Level: IICA 1

Job Specific Context

• This position is located within the Executive Office Team.
• The main objective of the Executive Office is to provide support to the CEO/SRSG, the leadership team and the Governance Board to ensure efficient and effective leadership, implementation of organization’s strategic direction and collaboration across the organization and teams.

Role Purpose

• Under the overall guidance of the CEO and UN SRSG  and direct supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Special Assistant takes operational responsibility for managing executive workflows, coordinating high-level stakeholder relations, synthesizing analytical briefings, and supporting special projects initiated by the CEO/SRSG.
• The role ensures that the CEO/SRSG is thoroughly prepared for high-level engagements, international summits, and UN-Energy proceedings, while driving systematic follow-up across internal teams and external partner networks.
• In duty stations where the National Professional Officer (NPO) category has been established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), the contract modality (Local ICA or International ICA) may be evaluated based on the nationality and/or permanent residency status of the preferred candidate.

Functions / Key Results Expected
Executive Support & Workflow Coordination:

• Coordinate the day-to-day execution of core workflows, outputs, and strategic priorities for the CEO/SRSG, ensuring the CEO/SRSG is thoroughly prepared for all high-level engagements, UN summits, and international missions.
• Draft and synthesize comprehensive briefing materials, speaking points, analytical notes, and detailed presentations for internal leadership and external engagements.
• Oversee and organize the CEO/SRSG’s daily schedule, evaluating incoming engagement requests, establishing priority alignment, and ensuring effective time allocation.
• Support in taking minutes, tracking decisions and follow-up processes from meetings and interactions, guiding the flow of communication and direction from the CEO/SRSG to the Executive  Management Committee (EMC) and ensuring actions are logged in Salesforce.

Mission Management & High-Level Partner Coordination:

• Accompany and support the CEO/SRSG, as and when required, on official international missions, global summits (COP, UN General Assembly etc), and high-level partner meetings, addressing real-time workload priorities while traveling.
• Coordinate mission reporting workflows, leading the drafting, finalization, and distribution of official Back-to-Office Notes (BTONs), meeting summary notes, and executive action logs.
• Serve as operational liaison with counterpart Special Assistants in key stakeholder organizations across UN agencies, government ministries, development banks, and corporate partners.

Research, Analytics & Special Projects:

• Conduct research and analytical tasks on behalf of the CEO/SRSG, gathering data and synthesizing policy on emerging energy transition issues, climate finance trends, and international development frameworks.
• Contribute to executive knowledge-sharing across SEforALL programme teams, ensuring integration and dissemination of data, strategic contacts, and mission outcomes.

Education Requirements
Required:

• A First Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in International Relations, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, Energy, Environment, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field is required.

Desired:

• An Advanced degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, Energy, Environment, Business Administration, Economics or a related field is an asset and may compensate for some years of experience.

Experience Requirements
Required:

• Minimum 2 years of professional work experience at the national or international level in executive management support, administration, partnerships, protocol coordination or diplomatic support.
• Proven experience supporting senior/executive leaders (Directors, CEOs, SRSGs, Ministers, Ambassadors) within international organizations, government, or public sector entities.

Desired:

• Demonstrated experience preparing executive briefing notes, drafting high-level talking points, and organizing international missions or summits.
• Familiarity with energy transition, Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), climate change, or international development frameworks.

Skills:

• Analytics, Diplomacy, Energy Policy, Executive Support, Renewable Energy, Research, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Communications, Strategic Planning.

Competencies:

• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same.
• Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others.
• For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first.
• Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal.
• Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them.
• Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment.
• Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements.
• Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior.
• Performance is consistent, even under pressure.
• Always pursues continuous improvements.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks.
• Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner.
• Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge.
• Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Application Deadline 
27th August, 2026.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should use link below to Apply.

Click here to apply online