Special Assistant Policy and Strategy

Job Description

Overall Role:

The Special Assistant Policy and Strategy reports directly to the Executive Director (ED). S/he works closely with the ED to facilitate internal and external communication and manage special projects. At the discretion of the ED, the Special Assistant shall participate in multiple areas, including preparation of briefing materials for the ED, facilitating and coordinating activities of the Executive Management Team, and responding to diverse interlocutors at different levels, both internally and externally.

Scope of Responsibilities:

• Brief the ED prior to key meetings with partners, donors, governmental agencies; accompany ED as needed
• Represent the ED in engaging with stakeholders and at specific forums, as required.
• Assist in facilitating the work of the EMT: coordinating meetings, disseminating information, managing certain collaborative activities (planning exercises, developing organisational policies and procedures, etc.), ensuring follow-up and completion of key tasks.
• Suggest problem resolution approaches and procedures.
• Develop ideas for special projects that facilitate the ED’s objectives.
• Analyse and review documents on behalf of the ED and provide briefing reports.
• Complete projects and special assignments by establishing objectives, determining priorities, managing time, gaining cooperation of others, monitoring progress, problem-solving, making adjustments to plans.
• Provide historical reference by developing and utilising filing and retrieval systems; recording meeting discussions
• Prepare follow-up correspondence for internal and external meetings, as directed by the ED.

• Work closely with the ED’s Executive Assistant to keep up to date on the ED’s schedule and upcoming commitments.

The successful candidate will be discreet, high-energy, agile-minded, strategic, proactive, a direct communicator, highly organised and committed to the vision and values of The Union.

Qualifications:

• A graduate degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant science, management or policy discipline
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in managing projects/programmes
• Experience in liaising with and representing diverse stakeholders
• Knowledge of relevant intergovernmental partner organisations and processes
• Demonstrated ability to work within a complex, international, interdisciplinary and multicultural environment
• Good sense of self and strong personal presence
• A full command of written and spoken English. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish, an advantage.

Competencies:

• Excellent analytical skills and ability to see patterns, think fast and make good decisions
• Excellent communication, networking and partnership-building skills
• Results/action-oriented; project management skills
• Organisational and political agility; developed negotiation skills
• Proven ability to write documents in a concise, convincing manner
• Ability to build consensus amongst diverse views
• Ability to operate successfully with a high degree of autonomy and to delegate effectively
• Unquestionable personal code of confidentiality, ethics, integrity, diversity and trust
• Identifies with The Union’s Core Values – Quality, Accountability, Independence, Solidarity

Salary – commensurate with experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter, including your salary expectations, to hruna@theunion.org, with SAPS-NY-DX16 in the object line of your email.

Preference will be given to local (New York City) applicants.

Closing Date: February 25 2016. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About the Organization

Overview

Since the founding of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease as a global scientific organisation in 1920, The Union has drawn from the best evidence and the skills, expertise and reach of our staff, consultants and membership in order to advance solutions to the most pressing public health challenges affecting people living in poverty around the world.

As a scientific organisation, The Union’s approach starts with evidence. We conduct research so that we can know the nature of the challenges we face and their most effective solutions. Through our peer-reviewed journals, our global and regional conferences, and through training courses and technical assistance, we provide platforms for sharing scientific knowledge with stakeholders around the world.
And by directly delivering health services and advocating on behalf of those affected by tuberculosis and lung disease, we directly act on the best available scientific knowledge. Know. Share. Act. These principles have driven The Union’s work since its founding.

The Union North America (UNA)

The Union North America (UNA), based in New York City, is an international public health organisation and an independent affiliate of The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union). It is one of the 11 region and country offices affiliated with The Union and located in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America and South-East Asia. UNA and The Union provide expertise in project implementation and management, epidemiology and surveillance, and other core public health capacities to address variety of global health challenges. For more information about The Union, visit www.theunion.org