Regional Adviser on Connectivity

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, analysis, and technical assistance to address development priorities and adapt to changing needs. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation and connectivity among its member states.

Job Overview:
The Regional Adviser on Connectivity will be stationed in the Subregional Office for North and Central Asia (SONCA) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This role involves providing policy advice to governments and stakeholders in the SPECA participating states, focusing on connectivity in trade and transport. The incumbent will monitor and analyze trends in regional economic cooperation, contribute to the design of national policies, and develop capacity-building programs aligned with SPECA priorities. The position requires a strong commitment to gender mainstreaming and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The adviser will also support resource mobilization efforts and engage with partners to secure funding for SPECA initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties including: 1) Providing policy advice to governments on connectivity issues, particularly in trade and transport; 2) Monitoring and analyzing trends in connectivity and regional economic cooperation; 3) Preparing policy advisory notes for governments; 4) Contributing to the design of national policies and strategies for regional economic cooperation; 5) Developing capacity-building programs and activities under the SPECA framework; 6) Ensuring gender mainstreaming in all planned actions; 7) Contributing to workshops and seminars related to SPECA; 8) Supporting resource mobilization efforts by developing project proposals; 9) Taking on additional assignments as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, technical competence, and a commitment to high-level expertise in economic development relevant to SPECA priorities. They should have proven abilities in project proposal preparation, familiarity with donor policies, and experience in capacity development and result-based management. Strong communication skills and client orientation are essential, along with the ability to build partnerships and mobilize resources effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, business administration, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience within the UN development system or related operational activities is required. This includes at least four years of advisory work in developing countries, preferably across multiple regions. Experience in international technical cooperation and capacity development, as well as in preparing policy advisory notes and reports, is essential. Desirable experience includes providing policy advice within the context of Central Asia or working with multilateral organizations.

Languages:
English is required at UN Level II proficiency. Knowledge of Russian and French is desirable, with proficiency levels also at UN Level II for Russian and Level I for French.

Additional Notes:
The position is funded under the Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation with an initial appointment for one year, subject to annual renewal based on performance and funding availability. The selected candidate will receive a fixed-term appointment limited to the position. The organization encourages diversity and gender equality, strongly urging women candidates to apply. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.