Job Title:   Islamic Relief United Nations Representative
Status:       Full-time (Beginning of 2025 to end of 2026 – 2 years)
Division:    Public Affairs, Research and Advocacy (PARA)

Location:   New York (Remote)

 

The Representative to the United Nations will lead and expand Islamic Relief USA’s (IRUSA) external relations in New York. The Representative will proactively identify and deliver on strategic opportunities to promote IRUSA’s work; lobby for and represent the organization externally; build networks with key stakeholders such as UN bodies, Permanent Missions, other NGOs/CSOs, journalists, foundations and major donors; and engage in NY-based policy dialogue and advocacy on issues such as humanitarian response, climate change and women’s rights. The Representative will also lead our planning and engagement for key events such as the annual UN General Assembly and CSW Summit. The position will report to the International Affairs Manager at IRUSA. The candidate must show commitment to Islamic Relief’s faith inspired values and principles as well as a commitment to the vision and mission of the organization.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 

External Relations:

  • Develops and implements a strategy to expand Islamic Relief’s brand and engagement in New York.
  • Actively identifies new opportunities and strategic areas of engagement for IRUSA’s public affairs, advocacy, media, fundraising and interfaith engagement.
  • Represents IRUSA to a range of high-level external stakeholders and speaks at public events and policy forums, as well as acting as media spokesperson when needed.
  • Builds, maintains and strengthens relations with stakeholders in New York including relevant UN agencies, Permanent Missions, NGOs/CSOs, interfaith groups, journalists, foundations and other major donors, through regular meetings, discussions, lobbying and networking.
  • Manages IRUSA’s engagement at key events such as the UN General Assembly and CSW Summit.
  • Plans and hosts events, and actively identifies opportunities for collaboration with faith and non-faith actors.
  • Engages with relevant policy dialogues to highlight our views and concerns on key issues such as forced displacement, women’s rights, climate change and humanitarian response in fragile contexts.
  • Initiates or leads meetings and seminars on programmatic or substantive issues, making sure to manage the preparation and briefings for all such meetings. 
  • Develops or supports development of relevant products and messaging, such as factsheets, briefing papers and video messages.
  • Supports NY visits of senior IRUSA staff – such as the CEO, directors, trustees and program staff – including logistical arrangements, setting meetings and speaking slots, and preparing letters, briefs, talking points etc.  

 

 

Support to wider Islamic Relief global operations and country offices:

  • Brings extensive humanitarian experience and insight/analysis of UN systems and the New York context to inform key Islamic Relief colleagues about relevant global policy, political and institutional developments.
  • Participates in relevant calls and working groups, and collaborate with colleagues on how to effectively integrate learnings into wider global policy and practice.  
  • Supports senior management to identify and manage reputational risk and crisis communications.
  • Liaises with External Relations and Public Affairs specialists in Washington DC to maximize impact and ensure alignment in our policies, messaging and engagement.
  • Supports the organization with relevant UN registration processes and reports.
  • Coordinate the flow of relevant information between UNHQ, Washington DC, and country offices.
  • Supports IRUSA’s NJ office and Virginia-based public affairs team at major events.  
  • Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications and Competencies

  • Masters’ degree in a related field, such as international relations, political science, development or law, is highly preferred.
  • Minimum of 5-7 years’ relevant and progressively more senior work experience in a related field such as external relations, lobbying or advocacy, ideally with direct experience of working alongside or within the UN system.
  • Field experience in a humanitarian context overseas is a strong plus.
  • Understanding and experience of the humanitarian and non-profit policy sector, including a firm grasp of relevant legislative processes and accompanying policy and advocacy development procedures.
  • Clear understanding of global context and issues in countries in which Islamic Relief operates.
  • Comprehensive understanding of international and UN policies, and knowledge of the humanitarian and faith-based sector in New York.
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain a wide range of stakeholder relationships, including high-level diplomats, politicians, major donors, foundations and journalists.
  • Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication and presentation skills, with the proven ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
  • Confident public speaker, with ability to digest information quickly and speak authoritatively on a wide range of topics.
  • Sound political judgement, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strategic thinker, able to identify new opportunities and translate strategic thinking into actionable plans, outputs and tangible results. 
  • Motivated self-starter able to work independently, managing own time and tasks to tight deadlines.
  • Experience in organizing issue-specific events, such as panel discussions, side events, conferences and press briefings.
  • Collaborative team player with an ability to support needs of different teams and partner offices, including programs and advocacy colleagues.
  • Commitment to Islamic Relief’s faith-based values, humanitarian principles, and our vision and mission.
  • Willing to work flexible hours as needed, including after business hours events and occasional weekends.
  • Ability to travel to Washington DC/Virginia, and conduct other overseas travel, including to field offices, as needed. 
  • This is a limited term employment for the years mentioned.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.  

 

At Islamic Relief USA we are committed to safeguarding and protecting all individuals we come into contact with through our work. IRUSA representatives must adhere to its organizational values: Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice, and Custodianship. In accordance with these values, IRUSA operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Code of Ethics, and Anti-Harassment and Discrimination.