Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Intergovernmental Affairs and Africa team of the United Nations Global Compact Office at Headquarters. The Programme Officer (Intergovernmental Affairs and Africa) reports to the Senior Programme Officer (Intergovernmental Affairs and Africa).
The United Nations Global Compact is the United Nations’ voluntary corporate sustainability initiative in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption. It revolves around ten universal principles drawn from four key international instruments in these areas. The Global Compact Office is the United Nations entity responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Global Compact initiative. It pursues two complementary objectives: (1) making the Global Compact and its principles part of business strategy and operations everywhere; and (2) facilitating cooperation among key stockholders by promoting partnerships and other collective action in support of United Nations, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer (Intergovernmental Affairs and Africa) will be responsible for the following duties:
- Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, including the UNGC Government Relations Strategy, with particular reference to G77 and China Member States and the Africa Strategy; as well as South-South cooperation and development; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant stakeholders to build and manage relationships with a focus on the UNGC expansion in the Global South;
- Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the Global Compact Local Networks, by planning and organizing policy dialogues, policy advocacy, Voluntary National Reviews, including coordinating Government outreach;
- Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources and advises on and keeps abreast of latest emerging trends and innovative approaches for advancing private sector work in Africa;
- Assists in monitoring and providing feedback on the involvement and engagement of African countries and private sectors on Agenda 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the UN’s Our Common Agenda (or global issues) and in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies focusing on corporate sustainability and multi-stakeholder partnerships;
- Undertakes strategic reviews of programmatic opportunities and priorities under the IGA portfolio;
- Prepares proposals for donor funding, supports in donor reporting and in managing strategic partnerships and sponsorships for the team. And various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
- Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.;
- Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
- Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.;
- Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.);
- Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to programming, government and private sector engagement, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
- Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
- Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required;
- At least two years of experience in the public and private sector on corporate sustainability is required;
- Experience in managing and supporting multi-stakeholder initiatives and multi-lateral processes is desirable;
- Experience in multistakeholder partnership building with a focus on the G77 and China member states, African countries, or countries from the global south, is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Application instructions
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