UN Secretary-General Global Call Campaign

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.

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.

Requirements

• Nominations are requested for the pool for the following positions:
  • Special Representatives of the Secretary-General (SRSGs) are appointed by the Secretary-General, usually at the level of Under-Secretary-General (USG) or Assistant Secretary-General (ASG). They report to the Secretary-General through the Under-Secretary-General of the Department overseeing the respective field mission.
  • Deputy Special Representatives of the Secretary-General are appointed at the Assistant Secretary-General level or lower.
  • Special Envoys of the Secretary-General are assigned at the USG or ASG level.
• In recognition of the highly complex nature of the 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 nongovernmental and/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 the Global Call, fluency in another UN official language, in particular Arabic and French, is an advantage given the areas of deployment of United Nations field missions.

Eligibility Criteria

• Member States, regional, international and non-governmental organizations, former or current UN senior leaders can submit nominations.
• Member States are requested to submit up to four nominations, with at least half or more of the nominees being women.
• Member States can nominate an additional candidate (of a different nationality) from an under-represented region to help advance the objectives of this campaign/or the Global Call.
• All Member States, in particular those from under-represented regions, are strongly encouraged to respond to the Global Call and share their nominations.
• Individuals can also submit applications. Former and current UN staff members who have served at the D1-level or above and meet the other eligibility requirements are also eligible.

For more information, visit United Nations.