Associate Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations, specifically in the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG), Outreach and Partnership Branch (OPB). The organization focuses on promoting sustainable development and facilitating international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). DESA plays a critical role in supporting the intergovernmental processes and providing substantive support to the United Nations system. The organization is committed to fostering partnerships and stakeholder engagement to advance the global agenda on sustainable development. It operates in multiple countries and engages with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement the SDGs effectively.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Management Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in preparing outreach and stakeholder engagement activities for the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference, which is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from December 2-4, 202

• This position will also involve supporting other related stakeholder engagement activities, such as the 2026 STI Forum and organizing special events in connection with the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). The officer will report to the Chief of the Outreach and Partnership Branch and will be responsible for facilitating communication and collaboration among various stakeholders, including representatives from the water community and relevant UN departments. The role requires conducting research, providing policy coordination support, and assisting in the planning and execution of webinars, workshops, and other interactive sessions aimed at mobilizing stakeholders for the conference. The officer will also monitor and analyze program/project development and implementation, ensuring that all activities align with the objectives of the UN Water Conference and the broader sustainable development agenda.

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

• Facilitating outreach and stakeholder engagement activities in preparation for the 2026 UN Water Conference by working with key clients and representatives from various stakeholder groups.
• Conducting basic research on selected aspects of programs and operations related to stakeholder engagement and SDG implementation, including data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Providing substantive support for policy coordination by preparing written inputs such as background papers, analytical notes, and sections of reports related to the conference.
• Assisting in the planning and facilitation of webinars, workshops, and interactive sessions targeting stakeholder mobilization.
• Monitoring and analyzing program/project development and implementation, identifying issues, and recommending corrective actions.
• Providing administrative and substantive support to side events and conferences, including logistics management for virtual meetings and preparing guidance documents.
• Undertaking outreach activities and participating in the development of training workshops and seminars.
• Participating in field missions as appropriate, providing support for data collection and administrative tasks.
• Coordinating activities related to budget funding and preparing related documents and reports. 1
• Performing other duties as required to support the objectives of the Division and the UN Water Conference.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, environmental studies, sustainable development, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of project/programme management and administration, particularly in the context of international organizations and stakeholder engagement processes.

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, management, economics, environmental studies, sustainable development, or international relations. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying work experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of sustainable development and the operational frameworks of the United Nations.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience working with various stakeholder groups within the UN context and supporting large intergovernmental meetings and conferences. Additionally, experience in managing multi-stakeholder processes related to intergovernmental conferences, including drafting operational guidelines and coordinating complex workflows, is essential. Familiarity with stakeholder engagement processes in connection with UN intergovernmental processes is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's profile for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until July 31, 2026, 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. It is important to note that this temporary assignment does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and the position 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 provide complete and accurate information in their applications.