Policy Advisor, Sustainable Development and Deputy Chief

Policy Advisor, Sustainable Development and Deputy Chief

UN Women

February 21, 2026April 7, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects diversity.

Job Overview:
The Policy Advisor, Sustainable Development and Deputy Chief will play a crucial role in overseeing the development of gender equality and sustainable development policies and programs. This position involves contributing to inter-governmental and normative processes, providing technical assistance and policy advice to UN Women’s regional and country offices, and establishing partnerships to advance women's economic empowerment. The advisor will also be responsible for developing knowledge products, managing projects, and providing strategic support to the Chief of Economic Empowerment. The role requires a deep understanding of sustainable development policies and practices, as well as the ability to influence policy dialogue at global and regional forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development of policies and strategies on gender equality and sustainable development, conducting data analysis and providing evidence for interventions.
  • Prepare policy papers and guidance notes for discussion in global and regional forums.
  • Provide technical and policy leadership in interagency groups on policy-related areas.
  • Oversee the management of projects related to gender equality and sustainable development.
  • Provide policy and programmatic advice to regional and country offices, supporting the development of strategic notes and projects.
  • Manage the preparation of position papers and reports for intergovernmental bodies.
  • Represent UN Women at international and regional meetings, providing expertise on sustainable development issues.
  • Contribute to knowledge management and capacity development within UN Women.
  • Advise the Chief of Economic Empowerment on strategic initiatives and resource mobilization efforts. 1
  • Supervise staff and consultants working on sustainable development initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in economics, international development, gender studies, environmental studies, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international development, policy analysis, and economic empowerment, with a minimum of seven years focused on gender equality and sustainable development. Experience in developing countries and familiarity with the UN system is essential. Strong analytical, communication, and networking skills are required, along with proven expertise in policy advocacy and program development.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as economics, international development, gender studies, or environmental studies is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in gender equality, sustainable development, and economic empowerment.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international development, with a focus on policy analysis and economic empowerment. At least seven years of this experience should be in gender equality and sustainable development. Experience in developing countries is required, along with a proven track record of building partnerships with governments, UN agencies, donors, and civil society organizations. Experience in leading and coaching staff in international settings is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is desirable and would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with supervisory responsibilities. The incumbent will oversee staff and consultants working on sustainable development initiatives. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.
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