Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator – the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level – support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. This position is in the United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) Headquarters in New York. The incumbent reports to the Senior Programme Management Officer, Interagency Programme Facilitation section, in DCO Policy and Programming Branch (PPB).
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Sustainable Development Officer will be entrusted with the following duties:
- Assists in formulating the strategic direction of the section and overall PPB Branch for efficient implementation of the United Nations Common Country Analysis (CCA) and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Framework) guidance globally in programme countries.
- Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of the Cooperation Frameworks. Serves as primary focal point for matters related to Cooperation Framework implementation phase, specifically Results Based Management and Results Frameworks, Joint workplans (JWP), Budgets (Multi-Year and Annual Funding Frameworks) as well as governance and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.
- Supports the planning and coordination of the capabilities building interventions of DCO Regional Offices, Regional Peer Support Groups, Resident Coordinators and their Offices, and UN country teams – particularly inter-agency results groups – to implement the above stated elements of the Cooperation Framework.
- Supports the conceptualization, implementation and adjustments of IT systems and solutions (UN INFO) for planning, monitoring and reporting of the Cooperation Framework.
- Analyses existing data, and identifies and formulates proposals for improvement of the country programming processes.
- Assists in drafting policy papers/guides/notes/tip sheets, to facilitate implementation of UNSDG guidelines at regional and country level as applicable.
- Provides technical inputs and policy advisory support to UN development system entities at UN HQs level, DCO Regional Offices, Resident Coordinators, their offices and UNCTs – including inter-agency results groups – as needed and appropriate.
- Actively promotes knowledge management through identifying lessons learned and good practices through peer exchanges, contribution to communities of practices and others.
- Fosters and nourishes cross-branch and external partnerships for effective policy implementation, monitoring and reporting in support of Cooperation Framework.
- Organizes policy dialogues as appropriate to design policy solutions for advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the Cooperation Framework.
- Organizes and prepares written outputs on sustainable development issues, e.g., draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
- Provides backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations on sustainable development issues.
- Provides support on sustainable development issues to intergovernmental bodies such as the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Economic and Social Council, and the General Assembly.
- Participates in specific inter-agency or expert task forces or working groups either internally or with outside parties.
- Participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
- Prepares background papers, talking points and other inputs for presentations by senior staff on matters related to the Cooperation Framework implementation and sustainable development in general.
- Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities both internally and externally.
- Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
- Performs other duties as required, including administrative tasks.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis on sustainable development topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing sources for data collection. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
- PLANNING AND 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.
- 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.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, social sciences, economics, public policy, public administration, law, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible and international experience in programme management in developing and/or middle-income countries is required.
- Experience of working with the Resident Coordinator System in designing and implementation of a new generation Cooperation Frameworks at country level is required.
- Support to HQ-level formulation/revision of policy/guidance related to the Cooperation Framework is required.
- Experience of knowledge management and design of tools and systems for programme management at country, regional and HQ level is required.
- Experience in organizing and delivering capacity building interventions at country level is desirable.
- Additional experience in humanitarian response and/or peacebuilding is desirable.
- Experience in data analytics or related area 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 a second official United Nations language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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