Senior UN Advocacy Advisor - Temporary Cover

International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) • Washington, DC

11d • $93,036 - $134,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This temporary cover role implements IPPF advocacy activities at the United Nations in New York to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights and reproductive justice (SRHRJ), gender equality, and the normative SRHRJ framework. It supports national commitment to SRHRJ, particularly through UN processes in the first half of 2027, and contributes to IPPF’s intergovernmental advocacy priorities in line with Strategy2028. The role works with civil society, member states, and UN agencies to help translate normative standards into progressive policy and program changes worldwide.

The post is part of IPPF’s External Relations – Global Unit and helps strengthen the Federation’s presence and partnerships across the UN and intergovernmental system. The adviser supports IPPF Member Associations in bringing lived experience and policy priorities into UN processes, including participation in country delegations and efforts to hold governments accountable. The assignment runs from 1 January to 15 June 2027. A work visa and the ability to work in person in New York are required.

The role has no management responsibility. The postholder is expected to follow IPPF safeguarding, health and safety, and antiracism policies and requirements, and to help maintain a safe working environment. IPPF describes itself as a global, diverse, feminist, and values-driven movement and an equal opportunities employer.

Requirements

• Expertise developing advocacy initiatives that yield results in the international development arena; SRHRJ experience is desirable.
• Thorough knowledge of UN structures and processes; knowledge of national government structures and processes is advantageous.
• Experience working in and with nongovernmental organizations and as part of coalitions.
• Familiarity with sexual and reproductive rights, reproductive justice, intersectionality, and women’s and girls’ rights.
• Experience managing restricted grants.
• Knowledge of political realities affecting SRHRJ, women’s rights, and gender equality in a variety of global contexts.
• Solid knowledge of agreed international language on gender, women’s and girls’ rights, SRHRJ, and human rights instruments and mechanisms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate articulately and diplomatically with diverse groups across cultures and backgrounds, from diplomatic missions and UN organizations to grassroots activists and youth leaders.
• Strong commitment to and understanding of human rights, including SRHRJ, women’s right to choose including abortion, bodily autonomy, gender equality, and population and development issues.
• Ability to reflect on one’s own culture and privileges and engage positively with people from different cultures and backgrounds; strong analytical approach and awareness of power in dealings with others.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, and analytical skills, including the ability to summarize complex policy information accessibly.
• Good IT skills, including Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and administrative skills, including the ability to meet multiple overlapping and tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and as part of a team.
• Excellent writing and communication skills and fluent English.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to safeguarding in local and international contexts.
• Ability and willingness to work in a diverse, multicultural, multilingual, and intergenerational environment that is antiracist and respectful of others.
• An intersectional (pro)feminist commitment to sexual and reproductive health care, rights, and justice, including safe abortion.
• Support for people’s rights regardless of sexuality or gender identity or expression, and support for workers’ rights and access to health care in sex work.
• Work visa and ability to work in person in New York are required.

Nice To Haves

• Diplomatic experience.
• Willingness to travel internationally, approximately 10% a year.
• Proficiency in another UN official language, particularly Arabic, French, or Spanish.
• Database skills.

Responsibilities

• Promote, position, develop, and grow the work of the Federation as part of the External Relations – Global Unit.
• Support the implementation of UN advocacy activities in New York.
• Nurture and maintain strategic intergovernmental and UN-based partnerships, strengthening relationships among cross-regional member states and ensuring IPPF is well connected and influential.
• Position IPPF as a proactive SRHRJ leader that responds to critical and urgent issues affecting SRHRJ.
• Identify opportunities to raise awareness of SRHRJ, gender equality, and IPPF at the UN in New York, and develop, implement, and coordinate advocacy strategies related to UN and other intergovernmental processes.
• Support IPPF’s engagement in civil society coalitions.
• Support capacity building across the Federation’s network on global advocacy, including training on UN processes and negotiated language related to SRHRJ.
• Research and write policy papers on SRHRJ issues in collaboration with the MA Development and Impact Global Unit, as requested.
• Share strategic information and intelligence with IPPF colleagues globally in a timely and strategic manner.
• Represent IPPF at international, civil society, and UN meetings, as requested.
• Follow IPPF’s Health and Safety Programme and Guidelines and safeguarding policy, and help ensure a healthy and safe working environment.
• Adhere to safeguarding reporting and monitoring requirements and advance IPPF’s antiracism policies and objectives.
• Perform other related tasks as deemed necessary and appropriate by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Meaningful work and an inspiring environment.
• Professional growth.
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities around the world.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed