USA: UN Advocacy Assistant

Aug 3, 2021 | PAX
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PAX is a peacebuilding organization which works with partners around the world on programming and advocacy related to sustainable peacebuilding and the protection of civilians in armed conflict. 

PAX’s UN Office works with our program teams and local partners to influence the policies of the UN and its Member States. We develop advocacy and campaigning strategies, produce reports and analysis, and hold meetings, events, and other activities. We also regularly coordinate meetings between local civil society partners and UN policymakers to help ensure that the expertise and perspectives of civil society and people affected by conflict are better incorporated into UN policies and practices. 


The UN Office of PAX for Peace in New York is looking for a motivated UN Advocacy Assistant (28 hours per week)

The role of UN Advocacy Assistant provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the range of tasks and skills required to work in a busy New York advocacy office, and to develop a deeper knowledge of international peacebuilding and protection issues relevant to specific conflict situations.

Responsibilities and Tasks

  • Monitoring UN policy and political developments relevant to the work of PAX and producing updates for the organization, with specific priority to country-specific situations in the Middle East and Africa, as well as thematic areas that may include (among others):
    • Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict (PoC);
    • Protection of the Environment in Armed Conflict (PERAC);
    • Climate and Security; and
    • Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
  • Conducting research on current UN and international policy and legal documents to assist in establishing databases and informal informational tools.
  • Assisting with organizing meetings and events: including bilateral meetings; roundtables; and large-scale policy forum discussions.
  • Assisting with planning the UN Advocacy Calendar for PAX, and keeping an overview of reports and other upcoming advocacy activities.
  • Assisting with the drafting and distribution of reports and advocacy briefings.
  • Attending and taking notes in meetings, including with UN policy-makers and Member State representatives.
  • Media and social media: regular monitoring and (social media) content creation, particularly around PAX events and reports.
  • Updating and maintaining contacts lists and the contacts database.
  • Ad-hoc translation, depending on language skills.

We require

  • Demonstrated experience from work or study in the field of international peace and security, particularly in the protection of civilians in armed conflict and/or the effects of environmental damage and climate change on security.
  • Bachelor’s degree required. Completion of some post-graduate courses or Master’s degree preferred. (For example: climate studies, conflict studies, international relations, international organizations, political science, history, law, disarmament, etc.)
  • An interest in working in UN affairs.
  • Ability to work hard and to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
  • Able to handle competing tasks and deadlines.
  • Interest in advocacy and campaigning; interest in how NGOs can make change happen.
  • Strong organizational skills; a methodical approach to tasks, and attention to detail.
  • Good interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Good political awareness and political judgement.
  • Exceptional organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related tools, including data management tools.
  • Very good level of spoken and written English.
  • Interest and experience in working in an international environment with people of many backgrounds and nationalities.
  • Commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation in seeking a more peaceful, inclusive, and equitable world.
  • Commitment to working in a way which promotes local NGOs.
  • Commitment to working with integrity, and in a way which is anti-racist and anti-sexist.
  • Endorsement of PAX’s mission and values;
  • Affinity with PAX’s identity;
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
  • Based in New York, or the greater New York area.

Desirable: 

  • International legal or policy experience.
  • Experience working with event planning and/or communications.
  • Proficiency in any of the other 5 recognized UN languages (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).

We offer

  • Temporary part-time employment contract for 10 months at $420 gross per week, on a secondment contract under Nonviolence International, a registered a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
  • Starting in September 2021.
  • Part-time contract at 28 hours per week.

Information and application


Please send your CV and cover letter together in one PDF file with the title “PAX UN ADVOCACY ASSISTANT – LAST NAME” before 5pm EDT on Sunday, 8 August 2021 only by using the application form on the bottom of this page.


Initial interviews will take place early August 2021.

PAX is an equal opportunity employer and encourages everyone with the right skills and interest to apply for positions. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this position.