Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The DSDG is responsible for promoting and coordinating the implementation of the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda, serving as the global secretariat for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization aims to provide substantive inputs to the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, ensuring that sustainable development remains a priority on the global agenda. The DSDG is committed to fostering partnerships and collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve the SDGs, and it operates in multiple countries worldwide, engaging with governments, civil society, and the private sector to drive progress towards sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer will play a crucial role in the Division for Sustainable Development Goals, reporting directly to the Director of the division. This position involves supporting the work of the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Water, focusing on sustainable development issues, particularly those related to water and sanitation. The officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and projects that address these critical issues and their interlinkages with other development goals. The role requires conducting research to identify emerging sustainable development issues, preparing analytical outputs, and organizing outreach activities to promote the work of the Special Envoy. The officer will also draft speeches and presentations, support capacity development missions, and provide substantive backstopping for meetings and conferences. This position is vital for ensuring that water and sanitation issues are effectively integrated into the broader sustainable development agenda, particularly in the context of major intergovernmental meetings such as the United Nations Water Conference.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Management Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating assigned programs/projects on sustainable development issues, particularly those related to water and sanitation.
• Conducting research to identify new and emerging sustainable development issues in the area of water and sanitation and their interlinkages with the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Preparing written outputs such as draft background papers, analytical briefs, and sections of reports to support the work of the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Water.
• Organizing outreach activities and delivering presentations on assigned topics.
• Drafting speeches and remarks for the Special Envoy and delivering presentations on her behalf at various forums.
• Supporting the Special Envoy in developing and maintaining relations with senior officials of Member States and responding to requests for advice on sustainable development issues.
• Providing substantive backstopping to consultative meetings, including proposing agenda topics and preparing documents.
• Coordinating activities related to budget and funding, including program/project preparation and submissions.
• Performing other duties as required to support the overall mission of the division.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, international relations, economics, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of sustainable development issues and possess the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business administration, international relations, or economics. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. Additional qualifications in data analytics or related fields are advantageous, highlighting the importance of analytical skills in this role.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management, administration, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in policy-oriented work across a broad range of social and human development issues, particularly in multilateral arrangements and coordination in an international setting. Experience with intergovernmental processes is essential, and candidates should demonstrate a track record of building and managing multi-stakeholder networks and partnerships. Desirable experience includes at least two years in data analytics or a related area.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available starting as soon as possible and is expected to last until 31 December 2025, with the possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and eligibility may be restricted to 'internal candidates' who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to follow all application instructions carefully.