United Nations 2024 Global Call  

The Secretary-General’s Global Call for nominations seeks to expand and diversify the pool of Special Representatives of the Secretary-General (SRSGs), Deputy Special Representatives of the Secretary-General (DSRSGs), and Special Envoys in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions.

The Secretary-General is searching for exceptional leaders who have the expertise, competencies, skills, values and behaviours to lead the United Nation’s complex missions in the field.

The Global Call, previously held in 2021, 2019 and 2017, aims to advance gender parity and geographical diversity at the most senior level in United Nations field missions.

The campaign will remain open for nominations/applications until 15 July 2024. Member States, regional, international and non-governmental organizations and individuals are encouraged to submit nominations/applications.

Entities are asked to submit a “parity+ list” of up to four nominees including an equal or higher number of women. In the spirit of enhancing geographical diversity, Member States can nominate an additional candidate from an underrepresented region (of a different nationality). Self-nominations are also accepted.

Following an internal review process, candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be included in the SRSG/DSRSG/Special Envoy pool.

Only those found suitable for specific posts, as and when vacancies arise, will be invited to participate in a competitive selection process.

If you have any questions, please visit the FAQ section and/or contact the Leadership Support Section in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations at [email protected].

Mandated by the UN Security Council and the General Assembly, the United Nations deploys Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions to the field in support of a particular country or region. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA)Opens a new window is the principal support structure for peacemaking and preventive diplomacy efforts. The Department of Peace Operations (DPO)Opens a new window and its Peacekeeping missions help countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. They bring unique strengths, including legitimacy, burden sharing, and an ability to deploy troops and police from around the world, integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to address a range of mandates. DPPA and DPO, together with the Department of Operational Support (DOS)Opens a new window, currently oversee 35 field missions/offices. Information about the United Nations missions can be found on unmissions.orgOpens a new window.

Requirements

In recognition of the highly complex nature of these mission leadership posts, the United Nations is seeking individuals with:

• A minimum of 20 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years at senior and representational level, in conflict, post-conflict, peacekeeping operations, special political missions, peacebuilding and/or development settings, and/or experience in inclusive governance, mediation, facilitation and/or negotiations at the national and/or international level;
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge in reconciliation, conflict resolution, humanitarian, peace operations/special political missions, development, human rights, rule of law and/or governance issues;
• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in leading complex organizations, such as intergovernmental, governmental, international non-governmental or multinational private sector entities;
• Demonstrated experience in management at senior level and the ability to oversee the effective use of the organization’s financial and human resources;
• Demonstrated communication and advocacy skills, including ability to engage with traditional media, civil society and to participate across digital/social media platforms;
• Demonstrated experience fostering partnerships at the local, national or regional level to create opportunities and promote processes to advance peace and security;
• Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to taking transformative actions to accelerate gender equality and Women, Peace and Security commitments, both in the workplace and in mandate delivery;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural team, including by fostering diversity and creating an inclusive work environment of dignity and respect for all staff members, regardless of any aspect of identity;
• Demonstrated ability to establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Familiarity with the United Nations system, including peace operations, special political missions, humanitarian and developments settings, as well as knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals;
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Fluency in oral and written English is required for all senior leadership positions. For this Call for Nominations, fluency in another United Nations official language, in particular Arabic and French, is an advantage given the areas of deployment of United Nations field missions.

Leadership Support Section

The Global Call outreach campaign is managed by the Leadership Support Section, in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). For questions, visit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), or contact us via [email protected].

This is how cinfo can support you in the application process for this specific position: 

• Application preparation: Before you apply for this position: Improve your application documents by registering for a Job Application Support. Our coaches are here to help tailor your application to the requirements of the job (service provided at your own cost). 
• Interview preparation: When invited to the interview: Prepare for the interview by registering for a Job Application Support. 
• Additional services for  Swiss nationals who get invited to  the selection process (written test, interview, assessment centre, etc.): 
  • Let us know by writing to [email protected]. We flag matching applications to HR partners and SDC/SECO for visibility. 
  • Benefit from free interview/assessment preparation by registering here: Interview and Assessment Centre Preparation for Jobs in Multilateral Organisations. Our coaches stand ready to help prepare for upcoming interview/assessment centre.​