Sustainable Development Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Integrated Policy Analysis Branch of the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The DSDG acts as the Secretariat for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on providing substantive support and capacity building for the 17 SDGs and their related thematic issues. The organization plays a crucial role in intergovernmental processes related to the 2030 Agenda, contributing to the analytical work on thematic issues of the SDGs and coordinating inputs for deliberations on the review and implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The DSDG also organizes focal teams on the SDGs and their interactions, including UN-Energy, UN-Ocean, and UN-Water, and is involved in advocacy and outreach activities related to the SDGs.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Development Officer will support the work of the Integrated Policy Analysis Branch, focusing on sustainable energy and the broader sustainable development agenda. The incumbent will work closely with other staff and report to the Chief of the Policy and Analysis Branch. The role involves conducting policy analysis, coordinating meetings, and preparing events related to sustainable energy. The officer will develop databases and qualitative information on energy, draft technical papers, formulate project proposals, and assist in organizing expert group meetings and seminars. The position also requires preparing speeches and inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies, monitoring the implementation of capacity-building projects, and collecting and analyzing data to provide insights for decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sustainable Development Officer will have a range of responsibilities, including supporting the UN-Energy Secretariat through policy analysis and coordination, developing sustainable development databases, drafting technical papers on SDG7 (Energy), formulating project proposals, attending international meetings, organizing expert group meetings, preparing speeches for senior staff, and providing substantive support for intergovernmental meetings. The officer will also monitor and assess capacity-building projects, conduct training seminars for national experts, and perform administrative tasks as required. Additionally, the officer will undertake on-the-job training activities and utilize data visualization methods to present insights effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, with the ability to conduct independent research and analysis. Knowledge of energy's interlinkages with other issues such as climate action and the sustainable development of vulnerable countries is essential. The officer should demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and effective communication abilities. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, environmental sciences, 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 two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in intergovernmental support in sustainable development, project or programme management, and policy-oriented work is required. Candidates should have experience in intergovernmental support related to sustainable development, particularly in energy issues within global sustainable development and climate change frameworks. Experience in designing and delivering multi-stakeholder partnerships and capacity-building projects is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available starting as soon as possible up to 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station, and candidates must adhere to the United Nations' standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. The position does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.