Policy Advisor

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 their development priorities and adapt to changing needs. The organization operates across multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including but not limited to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with a focus on fostering economic cooperation and development.

Job Overview:
The Policy Advisor position is located in the Subregional Office for North and Central Asia (SONCA) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Head of SONCA and the overall guidance of the Executive Secretary of ESCAP. The role involves providing policy advice to governments of the SPECA participating states and other stakeholders, particularly in the areas of trade and transport connectivity. The advisor will monitor and analyze trends in regional economic cooperation, contribute to the design of national policies, and develop capacity-building programs aligned with SPECA priorities. The position requires a strong commitment to gender mainstreaming and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The advisor will also support resource mobilization efforts and contribute to workshops and seminars related to SPECA initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing policy advice to governments and stakeholders on connectivity issues, particularly in trade and transport.
• Monitoring and analyzing trends and best practices in regional economic cooperation, preparing policy advisory notes for governments.
• Contributing to the design and development of national policies and strategies for regional economic cooperation.
• Participating in the development of capacity-building programs and ensuring alignment with SPECA priorities.
• Monitoring the implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines in all planned actions.
• Contributing to SPECA-related workshops, seminars, and capacity-building events, including the development of training materials.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts by developing project proposals and engaging with partners and donors.
• Taking on additional assignments as requested by the supervisor to support SPECA's work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong commitment to high-level technical expertise in economic development areas relevant to SPECA priorities. They should have proven abilities in preparing robust project proposals, familiarity with donor policies and programs, and experience in capacity development and result-based management. The ideal candidate will also have a track record of building partnerships with national institutions and mobilizing resources for development initiatives. A commitment to gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation in SPECA initiatives is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, business administration, or related fields is required. Alternatively, 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 degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience within the UN development system or related operational activities is required. This includes at least four years of advisory work in developing countries, preferably across multiple regions. Experience in international technical cooperation, capacity development, and preparing policy advisory notes for governments is essential. Desirable experience includes providing policy advice within the context of Central Asia or working with multilateral organizations and international development agencies.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of Russian and French is desirable, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level II in Russian and UN Level I in French for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Additional Notes:
The initial appointment is for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance, funding availability, and continuation of function. The position is funded under the resources of the Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation. ESCAP is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality within the Secretariat, and women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.