Interregional Adviser on Localization of the SDGs

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). This division is dedicated to supporting countries in developing effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels to achieve internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The DPIDG promotes digital transformation and aims to provide high-level technical expertise and knowledge transfer from global entities to governments on policy-related issues and development strategies. The organization is committed to capacity development and operates in various countries, focusing on enhancing governance and public administration.

Job Overview:
The Interregional Adviser on Localization of the SDGs is responsible for providing policy advice to national and local governments, particularly in developing countries, on strengthening governance frameworks and ensuring effective distribution of responsibilities for SDG implementation. The role involves integrating local dimensions of the SDGs into national strategies and public policies, enhancing the capacity of local authorities, and promoting innovative approaches to public service delivery. The adviser will monitor trends in SDG localization, contribute to policy design, and facilitate knowledge exchange among stakeholders. This position requires a strong understanding of governance, public administration, and development theories, with a focus on localization of sustainable development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will provide policy advice to governments and stakeholders, support the integration of local SDG dimensions into national strategies, strengthen local governance capacities, and promote innovative public service delivery approaches. Responsibilities include monitoring and analyzing trends in SDG localization, contributing to the design of capacity development programs, ensuring gender mainstreaming in all actions, and participating in workshops and training events. The adviser will also contribute to resource mobilization strategies, develop training materials, guide data collection initiatives, and establish partnerships for SDG localization. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of governance, public administration, and development theories, particularly related to the localization of sustainable development goals. Knowledge of effective governance principles, multi-level governance concepts, and innovative local governance approaches is essential. The ability to provide policy advice, facilitate knowledge exchange, and develop capacity-building initiatives is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in public administration, local development, public policy, political science, or related fields is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively contribute to the role.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience within the UN development system or related operational activities is required. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in governance and public institutions, focusing on local governance and SDG implementation. Additionally, four years of advisory experience in developing countries, preferably across multiple regions, is required. Experience in mobilizing funds and partnerships for capacity development activities is also necessary, along with a background in international technical cooperation and policy guidance on SDG localization.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered desirable but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a specialized inter-regional adviser role with an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. The maximum duration of the assignment is three years, subject to performance and funding availability. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process and does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.