The United Nations has announced an important professional-level opportunity for experienced programme and policy professionals in 2026. The Programme Officer (Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary-General), P-3 position is based at UN Headquarters, New York, within the United Nations Global Compact Office (UNGCO). This role is ideal for candidates with strong experience in corporate sustainability, responsible business practices, and high-level executive coordination.
This article provides a complete and easy-to-understand overview of the job profile, responsibilities, eligibility criteria, required skills, assessment process, and key conditions of appointment.
Overview of the UN Global Compact Office
The United Nations Global Compact is the UN’s voluntary initiative encouraging businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. It is built around ten universally accepted principles covering:
- Human Rights
- Labour Standards
- Environmental Protection
- Anti-Corruption
The Global Compact Office is responsible for managing and coordinating this global initiative. Its work focuses on two core objectives:
- Integrating Global Compact principles into business strategies and operations globally
- Facilitating cooperation and partnerships between governments, businesses, civil society, and the UN system to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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The Programme Officer (Special Assistant to the ASG) works directly at the heart of this mission, supporting senior leadership in advancing corporate sustainability worldwide n.
Position Details at a Glance
- Job Title: Programme Officer (Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary-General)
- Job Level: P-3 (Professional Category)
- Duty Station: New York, USA
- Department: United Nations Global Compact Office
- Job Network: Economic, Social and Development
- Job Family: Programme Management
- Job Opening ID: 269481
- Posted On: 14 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 27 January 2026
- Nature of Appointment: Temporary (3 months, with possible extension)
Role and Reporting Structure
This position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (OASG) of the UN Global Compact Office. The selected candidate will:
- Report directly to the Assistant Secretary-General
- Work in close coordination with the Chief of Staff
- Act as a trusted adviser and operational focal point for high-level programme, policy, and coordination matters
The role combines strategic thinking, policy research, executive support, and programme management, making it one of the most influential P-3 positions within the UN system.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
1. Programme and Project Management
The Programme Officer participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of special projects related to corporate sustainability. Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring project progress
- Reviewing reports and official documents
- Identifying implementation challenges
- Proposing corrective actions
The officer ensures that initiatives under the ASG’s portfolio are delivered efficiently and aligned with UN Global Compact objectives n.
2. Policy Research and Analysis
A major part of the role involves research and analytical work, including:
- Collecting and analyzing information from diverse sources
- Preparing policy briefs and background notes
- Examining trends in responsible business and sustainable development
- Supporting policy development on the role of business in achieving the SDGs
This research directly informs decision-making at the senior leadership level.
3. Executive Support to the ASG
As Special Assistant, the Programme Officer plays a critical role in managing the ASG’s workflow by:
- Keeping the ASG informed of priority issues
- Preparing options and recommendations for action
- Tracking follow-up actions across departments and stakeholders
- Maximizing effective use of the ASG’s time
This requires discretion, sound judgment, and excellent organizational skills.
4. Drafting and Written Outputs
The position requires extensive drafting responsibilities, including:
- Summaries of high-level meetings
- Minutes of Executive Management Team meetings
- Official correspondence for ASG signature
- Mission and trip reports
- Background papers and analytical sections of reports
Strong writing skills are essential, as many documents are used at intergovernmental and global policy levels.
5. Meetings, Conferences, and Missions
The Programme Officer provides substantive and organizational support for:
- High-level meetings and conferences
- Official missions and international engagements
Tasks include preparing agendas, briefing notes, talking points, presentations, and identifying relevant participants. The officer may also participate in or lead missions and draft mission summaries.
6. Outreach, Training, and Partnerships
The role includes outreach activities such as:
- Delivering presentations
- Conducting training workshops and seminars
- Engaging with external partners, consultants, governments, and private-sector leaders
These activities help strengthen the Global Compact’s engagement with stakeholders worldwide.
7. Budget and Administrative Coordination
The Programme Officer coordinates activities related to:
- Programme and project budgets
- Funding proposals and submissions
- Financial and progress reports
Additionally, the officer supervises General Service staff, ensuring smooth administrative and operational support to the ASG’s office.
Required Competencies
Professionalism
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Strong knowledge of corporate sustainability and responsible business
- Ability to conduct independent research and analysis
- Sound judgment and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure
Gender equality and inclusion must be integrated into all areas of work.
Communication
Excellent communication skills are essential, including:
- Clear and effective writing
- Strong listening and interpersonal abilities
- Ability to tailor messages for different audiences
- Transparent information-sharing
Planning and Organizing
The role demands strong planning abilities, such as:
- Setting clear goals
- Managing time and resources efficiently
- Anticipating risks and adjusting plans
- Monitoring progress and results
Educational Qualifications
- Required: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in:
- Business Administration
- Management
- Economics
- Or a related field
- A first-level university degree may be accepted with two additional years of relevant experience n.
Work Experience Requirements
Candidates must have:
- Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project management, administration, or related fields
- At least 2 years of experience working in the UN system or a similar large organization on corporate sustainability or responsible business
- Experience collaborating with private-sector leaders
Desirable experience includes:
- Drafting executive-level briefs and reports
- Managing medium-sized projects and teams
- Promoting corporate sustainability partnerships
Language Requirements
- English: Required (UN Level III – reading, writing, listening, speaking)
- French: Working language of the UN but not mandatory for this post
Assessment and Selection Process
The evaluation process may include:
- A written assessment exercise
- A competency-based interview
Candidates under serious consideration will undergo reference checks to verify information provided in the application.
Nature of Appointment and Special Conditions
- The position is temporary for 3 months, with a possibility of extension depending on performance and funding availability
- The appointment does not guarantee future employment with the UN
- Certain eligibility restrictions apply to internal candidates and staff on temporary appointments
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, in line with the UN’s commitment to gender balance
Important UN Notice
The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants should beware of fraudulent job offers requesting payment or personal banking information n.
Why This Role Matters
The Programme Officer (Special Assistant to the ASG) role offers a rare opportunity to:
- Work directly with UN senior leadership
- Influence global corporate sustainability policy
- Engage with governments, multinational companies, and civil society
- Contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the SDGs
For professionals aiming to build a long-term career in international policy, sustainability, and executive programme management, this P-3 position is both prestigious and impactful.
Deadline Reminder
🗓 Last date to apply: 27 January 2026 (New York time)
