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 regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, analysis, and technical assistance to address development priorities and adapt to changing needs. The organization operates across multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on various development issues.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer will be responsible for leading the implementation of the Energy Transition for Green Growth and Prosperity programme, a three-year initiative funded externally. This role involves close collaboration with staff from the Energy Division and the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division, as well as the internal project steering group. The incumbent will develop and implement the programme, monitor its progress, analyze its development, and ensure that relevant documents and reports are reviewed and issues are addressed. The position requires a strong focus on policy development, research, and analysis, as well as the ability to coordinate outreach activities and provide substantive support to meetings and conferences. The Programme Officer will also be responsible for generating survey initiatives, designing data collection tools, and preparing written outputs related to energy transition and sustainable development themes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of functions, including: developing and implementing the Energy Transition for Green Growth and Prosperity programme; leading and monitoring programme development; conducting consulting assignments in collaboration with the project steering group; researching and analyzing information from diverse sources; coordinating policy development and evaluations; generating survey initiatives and analyzing responses; organizing written outputs such as background papers and reports; providing support to meetings and conferences; conducting outreach activities and training workshops; leading field missions and drafting mission summaries; coordinating budget-related activities; and collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of theories and concepts relevant to policy advice, energy transition, macroeconomic policy, and sustainable development. They should have the ability to identify and analyze issues, conduct independent research, and manage conflicting priorities. Professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to incorporate gender perspectives into all areas of work. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to achieving results and maintaining high standards of efficiency and integrity.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, energy, engineering, sustainable development, climate change, or a related field is required. A 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. Completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, regional cooperation, policy analysis, energy, sustainable development, or finance for development is required. Experience in delivering complex multi-stakeholder projects involving regional and international cooperation is essential. Desirable experience includes two or more years in data analytics, working within the United Nations Common System, managing large-scale programmes with multiple donors, and addressing energy-related issues in the Southeast Asia region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in another UN official language is considered an advantage. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English and French according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The position is funded from extra budgetary resources, with an initial appointment for one year, subject to annual renewal based on performance and funding availability. The selected candidate will receive a fixed-term appointment limited to the specific project. The United Nations promotes diversity and gender equality, encouraging women candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to provide complete and accurate information in their applications.