Programme Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and enhance regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, analysis, and capacity-building assistance to address development priorities and adapt to changing needs. The organization operates across multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on various developmental issues and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer position is situated within the Financing for Development Section of the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division at ESCAP. The primary focus of this role is to support the implementation of a three-year externally funded initiative known as the Energy Transition for Green Growth and Prosperity programme. This involves close collaboration with staff from both the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division and the Energy Division, as well as engaging with the internal project steering group responsible for overseeing the management of the programme. The incumbent will be expected to participate actively in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the programme, ensuring that it aligns with the strategic goals of ESCAP and effectively addresses the energy transition needs of member states.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of functions, including but not limited to: participating in the development and evaluation of the Energy Transition for Green Growth and Prosperity programme; monitoring and analyzing programme implementation; reviewing relevant documents and reports; identifying issues and proposing corrective actions; coordinating technical assistance and analysis for member states; planning and facilitating workshops; providing secretariat support to high-level advisory groups; conducting research and analysis; assisting in policy development; designing data collection tools; preparing written outputs such as background papers and reports; supporting consultations and meetings; leading field missions; coordinating budget-related activities; and performing other related duties as required. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as business administration, finance, management, economics, energy, international relations, or political science. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position demands a strong understanding of policy advice, financing, energy transition, and macroeconomic policy, along with the ability to conduct independent research and analysis.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, management, economics, energy, international relations, political science, or a related field is required. A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management is required, particularly with a focus on financing the energy transition in Southeast Asia. Candidates should have experience in supporting complex multi-stakeholder projects involving regional cooperation in an international organization. Desirable experience includes working in Southeast Asian countries on financing the energy transition and managing technical assistance projects in this area. Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related field is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is considered desirable. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. Specific details regarding contract duration, seniority level, compensation, and benefits are not provided in the job description.