Sustainable Development Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), which is part of the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) under the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The UNPOG's mission is to assist countries in enhancing their public administration capacities to effectively implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other internationally agreed objectives. The office operates with a focus on three main components: Research and Policy Analysis, Capacity Development, and Networking and Outreach. The organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable development through effective governance and public administration practices.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Development Officer will play a crucial role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of various programs and projects related to public administration, sustainable development, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI). This position requires the officer to monitor and analyze the progress of these initiatives, prepare relevant documentation, and identify challenges that may arise during implementation. The officer will also be responsible for creating databases and qualitative information necessary for ongoing and ad-hoc assignments. The role involves drafting technical papers, policy notes, and analytical studies, as well as formulating project proposals. The officer will represent the office in international, regional, and national meetings, facilitating discussions on sustainable development and governance issues. Additionally, the officer will organize training seminars and workshops aimed at building capacity among national experts in these fields. The position demands a proactive approach to liaising with various stakeholders, including government entities, UN organizations, and academic institutions, to ensure effective program implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sustainable Development Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programs/projects related to institutions, public administration, sustainable development, digital transformation, and AI.
• Monitoring and analyzing the development and implementation of these programs/projects, preparing relevant documents and reports, and initiating corrective actions as necessary.
• Developing databases and qualitative information for sustainable development and digital transformation.
• Drafting inputs for technical papers, concept notes, policy papers, and analytical studies.
• Formulating and analyzing project proposals on sustainable development and digital transformation.
• Attending meetings for consultations with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Assisting in the planning and organization of expert group meetings, seminars, and workshops.
• Preparing publications, policy briefings, and presentations for senior staff.
• Participating in missions related to sustainable development and digital transformation. 1
• Organizing training seminars and capacity-building activities. 1
• Monitoring and assessing the implementation of capacity-building projects and contributing to results-based reporting. 1
• Performing other duties as required, including administrative tasks and training activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as sustainable development, economics, public policy, public administration, governance, finance, business administration, natural resources management, engineering, law, social sciences, computer science, data science, or information systems. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a strong understanding of sustainable development and governance concepts, as well as expertise in digital transformation and AI policy frameworks.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as sustainable development, economics, public policy, public administration, governance, finance, business administration, natural resources management, engineering, law, social sciences, computer science, data science, or information systems. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management, particularly in areas related to sustainable development, public administration, and governance. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience in digital transformation and AI within governance or sustainable development contexts. Experience in organizing capacity-building workshops and contributing to research and reports for intergovernmental bodies is also required. A minimum of two years of international experience, preferably within organizations like the United Nations, is desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency specified as UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. There are no additional desirable languages specified for this role.

Additional Notes:
This job opening refers to a position funded by extrabudgetary resources and is of finite duration. Selected external candidates will undergo an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to availability of the post or funds, and may be renewed based on budgetary approval and extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.