Women, Peace and Security Program Assistant

Position description

The Program Assistant reports to the Program and Advocacy Manager to support the advocacy efforts of the NGO Working Group (NGOWG) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). The NGOWG is the only civil society actor of its kind at UN Headquarters systematically monitoring the work of the UN Security Council, providing regular, feminist-informed analysis and policy guidance on country-specific situations, facilitating regular briefings by diverse women civil society leaders, and conducting advocacy geared toward preventing conflict and promoting human rights through the full implementation of the WPS agenda. The NGOWG Office is a small team of three full-time staff who oversee the collective advocacy and research of the coalition.

The work of the Program Assistant will contribute to:

• Supporting advocacy efforts of the NGOWG;
• Contributing to the design and supporting the implementation of the NGOWG communications strategy, including social media and online engagement;
• Assisting with support for women civil society representatives supported by the NGOWG at country-specific briefings as well as annual WPS open debates;
• Assisting with the administrative operations of the NGOWG office.

This position is ideal for individuals looking for an immersive, hands-on advocacy and communications experience working with a small team to directly support, work with and amplify the perspectives of women civil society from conflict or crisis-affected settings. The role of the Program Assistant can be further tailored to the interests and skills of the applicant.

The NGOWG is a project of Tides Center. Tides is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, and bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions. Also pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we encourage and will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

This position is based in our New York office and applicants must be authorized to work in the US.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advocacy Support

• Support the overall advocacy of the NGOWG: Assist in implementing advocacy and awareness raising strategies under the direction of the Program and Advocacy Manager, as relevant, including by providing both administrative and substantive support for regular and ad-hoc country-specific advocacy, preparing and drafting letters and briefings, and compiling research for advocacy documents.
• Support civil society briefers: Support with monthly, annual and ad-hoc civil society speaker nominations and processes, including by liaising with stakeholders; supporting coordination, advocacy and statement drafting; making logistical and meeting arrangements; and assisting with social media and media strategies. Additionally, maintain the NGOWG’s database for civil society partners/peacebuilders, under the supervision of the Program and Advocacy Manager.
• Support advocacy opportunity tracking: Responsible for monitoring day to day developments at the UN Security Council and maintaining a calendar of advocacy opportunities and UN meeting schedules as relevant to the NGOWG.
• Support advocacy coordination: Maintain regular and timely communication with member organizations to plan, organize, and implement collective activities of the NGOWG, including by providing substantive updates and soliciting input on projects.

Communications

• Support implementation of the NGOWG’s communications and social media strategy under the direction of the Program and Advocacy Manager, including but not limited to developing content for publication across various digital and social media platforms, designing graphics to accompany NGOWG publications and advocacy, and monitoring social media engagement.
• Maintain the NGOWG website on a daily basis, including uploading new publications and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Prepare and draft outreach and promotional materials as required.

Administration, Operations, Finances & Fundraising

• Assist with ensuring the smooth function of the office and day-to-day management of its systems, including but not limited to: maintenance of inventories, office equipment and supplies, communications , phone system, computers, database and file systems, and supplies.
• Maintain all NGOWG databases, including for civil society partners/peacebuilders, colleagues, membership, fellowship, vendors, and others as needed.
• Organize logistics for regular meetings and special events including, but not limited to: reserving meeting spaces, ordering food, ensuring smooth operations during meetings, taking notes, and inviting speakers and attendees.
• Contribute to accounting, including preparation of credit card reporting, liaising with vendors, and processing bills.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Perform other duties as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area of peace and security, international relations, women’s or gender studies, human rights, development studies, conflict or post-conflict studies, or a closely related discipline required.
• Knowledge of WPS, specific geographic regions or specific areas of women’s rights is highly desirable.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills (written and verbal), interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work quickly and efficiently, with attention to detail and producing superior written work required.
• Prior experience with communications, design and social media management in a professional setting, including developing social media and digital strategies, and using related programs and tools, including diverse software, such as Canva, InDesign, WordPress websites, digital analytic tools, social media platforms, or other web-based multimedia platforms.
• Background and/or demonstrated interest in the United Nations system, including experience gained as a result of academic study or experiential learning activities such as Model United Nations.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated passion in and understanding of women’s rights, including particularly the WPS
• Experience in working with the media, including ability to draft pitches, prepare media releases, promote stories, and effectively use social media is highly desirable.
• Excellent writing, research and note-taking skills, including the ability to undertake desk research, fact-check publications, and synthesize policy documents when required.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to remain professional and focused in a fast-paced atmosphere, managing shifting priorities, tasks and deadlines successfully.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality, and display good judgment, discretion and diplomacy.
• Team-player, demonstrated positive and constructive attitude, and a problem-solver.
• Ability to maintain open and professional relations with relevant internal and external constituents.
• High proficiency in and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), Adobe systems, design software (e.g. Canva, InDesign, etc.) and G Suite.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

The individual will interact on a frequent basis with NGOWG Members, the UN system, UN Member States, and a range of civil society organizations.

Please note: The position is grant-funded and has the possibility of being converted to full-time and extended up to one year.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position will be located in a small office in New York City. The individual will work from a shared office with a door. This will be a quiet environment with infrequent interruptions. There is an elevator in this multi-story building.

NGOWG employees are required to confidentially show proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, unless the employee seeks and receives an accommodation due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief or practice.

Application instructions

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