Program Assistant Opportunities
at the Quaker UN Office–New York
 The Quaker United Nations Office in New York (QUNO-NY) is a program of the Friends World Committee for Consultation and is administered by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). Founded in 1947, QUNO-NY follows a long tradition of Quaker commitment to international institutions and involvement in the work of intergovernmental bodies. QUNO-NY is dedicated to serving the UN community and to representing Friends at UN headquarters. QUNO-NY’s sister office is located in Geneva, and is administered by Quaker Peace and Social Witness of Britain Yearly Meeting. Both QUNOs are official NGOs at the UN in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Broadly speaking, the activities of QUNO-NY are threefold. First, staff engage delegates to the United Nations and UN Secretariat officials in discussion on a range of issues of interest to Friends. Second, staff draw on these contacts and on information from other UN sources to inform our constituents – Quakers and others involved in similar work – about issues arising at the UN of particular concern. Third, QUNO-NY organizes luncheons and other meetings, usually in the quiet atmosphere of nearby Quaker House, to bring together UN delegates, Secretariat, and other UN agency officials and representatives of NGOs for informal exchanges on matters of mutual concern.
The permanent staff of the Quaker UN program consists of three representatives, an office administrator and a housekeeper at Quaker House. Day-to-day work takes place at the office in Church Center, but many QUNO-NY activities and meetings are hosted at Quaker House.
PROGRAM ASSISTANTS
QUNO-NY funds two Program Assistants (PAs) each year to serve for a year beginning in August. These are entry-level positions for college graduates who are interested in international affairs and the UN, and who have a commitment to Friends (Quaker) principles of peace, non-violence, and equality. The positions provide those individuals selected with an informal extension to their education in international issues, while they assist other QUNO-NY staff with program and administrative tasks. This is a year for first-hand observation of international organizations and the study of issues on the multilateral agenda. Past PAs report it has been a valuable experience, applicable to their subsequent life work.
PROGRAM ASSISTANT ACTIVITIES
The PA position begins in mid-August, prior to the opening of the General Assembly (September to December). PAs work closely with senior program staff on a variety of QUNO-NY program areas. Time is devoted to familiarization with the program areas and task involved in program work. Guidance is provided through regular program planning meetings and one-on-one supervision meetings. Currently, QUNO-NY staff work on issues of conflict prevention and peace building. This includes work on the new UN Peacebuilding Commission and efforts around early recovery. Also, QUNO-NY carries out a body of geographically-focused work that looks at a variety of conflict areas. Priorities for work shift from year to year and are shaped by needs and challenges at the UN and concerns of Friends worldwide. Staff work closely with the Quaker UN Committee, a group that includes members nominated by both AFSC and FWCC, to determine program priorities.
Program Assistants also gain administrative experience and spend approximately fifteen hours a week with office tasks such as preparing mailings, filing, attending to phones, taking care of visitors and supporting the general operations of the office. PAs share in preparing for and participating in meetings organized at Quaker House and elsewhere. At Quaker House this involves assisting in meal preparation, hosting and serving guests, and cleaning up. They also assist in the ongoing QUNO-NY program of outreach, helping to write and edit a newsletter, preparing reports, and speaking to various groups about issues in and around the United Nations. By participating in these activities, PAs learn firsthand how NGO's function at the UN system.
TERMS
PAs receive a subsistence grant to help cover accommodations, food, and miscellaneous expenses. The current rate is approximately $19,600 (US) per year. AFSC provides health/medical insurance for the year, including coverage for physician, hospital, prescription drugs, and dental services. PAs are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. QUNO-NY may be able to provide information to assist in these matters.
The AFSC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious
affiliation, race, sex, sexual orientation or nature of disability.
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