Senior Policy Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) was established following the endorsement of the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution A/RES/72/27

• The DCO operates as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat, focusing on the managerial and oversight functions of the Resident Coordinator system. The DCO is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) and aims to enhance the effectiveness of the UN's development efforts globally. The office is located in New York and collaborates with various UN bodies and member states to achieve sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior Policy Advisor position is critical within the DCO, particularly in the context of Latin America and the Caribbean. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing intergovernmental discussions, particularly those relevant to the region, and providing high-quality analysis to senior management. This role requires the development of strong relationships with member states to anticipate trends and ensure that the DCO is proactive in its approach to fulfilling its mandate. The advisor will also engage in global policy discussions, ensuring that regional perspectives are integrated into broader UN strategies. The position demands a strategic thinker who can provide technical analysis and recommendations on various issues, contribute to the preparation of reports and presentations, and support outreach activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Policy Advisor include: monitoring UN intergovernmental bodies and providing timely analysis to DCO Senior Management; developing relationships with LAC Member States; advising on intergovernmental processes; collaborating with the Intergovernmental Affairs team; conducting research on regional matters; drafting advocacy papers and reports; providing support for consultative meetings; coordinating outreach activities; leading field missions; and managing budget-related activities for strategic partnerships. The advisor will also be responsible for ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work and will engage in training workshops and seminars as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in sustainable development, political affairs, or related fields. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex issues, conduct independent research, and provide strategic recommendations. The role requires a commitment to gender equality and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Candidates should also have excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, economics, public policy, public administration, finance, natural resources management, engineering, law, social sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, partnerships, development coordination, or policy-oriented work related to sustainable development issues is required. Experience specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean is essential, along with familiarity with inter-agency and intergovernmental collaboration in the development sector. Experience within the United Nations system or a comparable international organization is desirable, as is field experience in development cooperation.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in another official UN language is considered an advantage. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, while 'knowledge of' indicates a confident level in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. Candidates are advised to apply online as soon as possible and ensure that all information provided is complete and accurate.