Senior Adviser, UNSDG Secretariat

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) was established as part of a series of reforms initiated in 2019 to enhance the effectiveness and coherence of the UN development system. The DCO operates under the direct supervision of the Deputy Secretary-General and serves as the Secretariat for the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). The DCO's mission is to provide managerial and oversight functions for the Resident Coordinator system, ensuring that countries receive effective support to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization is committed to fostering collaboration among UN entities and enhancing the overall impact of development efforts globally.

Job Overview:
The Senior Adviser position within the UNSDG Secretariat is a pivotal role that involves supporting the UNSDG Chair and facilitating the effective functioning of the UNSDG. The incumbent will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of work plans, ensuring that the UNSDG operates efficiently and effectively. This role requires close collaboration with various teams within the DCO and UNSDG entities to prepare for key meetings, monitor the implementation of decisions made by UNSDG Principals, and provide substantive support for interagency and intergovernmental processes. The Senior Adviser will also be tasked with supervising the preparation of written outputs, advising senior management on strategic priorities, and conducting outreach and coordination activities to align UNSDG priorities with the work of UN agencies and member states.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Adviser will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the UNSDG Chair in leading discussions and planning; ensuring effective DCO support for key meetings; coordinating the preparation of background materials; monitoring the implementation of UNSDG decisions; supervising the preparation of speeches, briefing notes, and reports; advising on strategic positioning within interagency and intergovernmental bodies; conducting outreach and consultations with UNSDG focal points; managing the UNSDG Secretariat team; and keeping abreast of emerging trends in sustainable development. The role also involves ensuring quality assurance of inputs from across the Resident Coordinator system and responding to stakeholder inquiries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, with the ability to analyze and resolve complex issues. Professionalism, teamwork, planning, organizing, managing performance, and leadership skills are essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to gender balance and inclusivity in all areas of work, as well as the ability to coordinate complex processes involving multiple stakeholders. The position requires a proactive approach to developing strategies and achieving objectives, along with the ability to anticipate and resolve conflicts effectively.

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:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, with a focus on sustainable development issues. At least three years of experience in UN inter-agency policy-making, programming, or strategy development at various levels is required. Experience managing multicultural teams and providing policy support to UN entities or member states is also essential. Field experience in development cooperation and experience at the headquarters of a development cooperation agency are desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for detailed language requirements.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is open for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is open to candidates from underrepresented member states, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.