Interregional Adviser, Public Administration

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The DPIDG is dedicated to supporting countries in advancing effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels to achieve internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization focuses on promoting digital transformation and ensuring the provision of high-level technical expertise and knowledge transfer from global entities to governments on policy-related issues and development strategies. The DPIDG operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to enhance governance and public administration.

Job Overview:
The Interregional Adviser (IRA) will provide policy advice to governments and stakeholders in developing countries, focusing on the application of behavioral insights in governance. The role involves raising awareness and building capacity among policymakers and public servants, integrating behavioral science into institutional frameworks, and improving public service delivery. The IRA will also contribute to national development planning, promote experimentation within the public sector, and facilitate a shift towards human-centered governance. The position requires monitoring trends in behavioral insights, designing capacity development programs, and ensuring gender mainstreaming in all actions. The IRA will also engage in resource mobilization and develop training materials for various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for providing policy advice through online consultations and field missions, focusing on behavioral insights in governance. Key responsibilities include:

• Advising on building capacity for policymakers to apply behavioral insights;
• Supporting the integration of behavioral science into institutional arrangements;
• Improving public service delivery by identifying behavioral barriers;
• Integrating behavioral approaches into national development planning;
• Promoting experimentation and learning in the public sector;
• Monitoring and analyzing trends in behavioral insights;
• Contributing to the design of national policies and strategies;
• Participating in capacity development programs;
• Ensuring gender mainstreaming in all actions; 1
• Contributing to resource mobilization strategies; 1
• Developing training materials; 1
• Conducting surveys and analyzing data; 1
• Liaising with professional networks; 1
• Providing inputs for normative functions of the Division; 1
• Undertaking other tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, teamwork, and sound judgment. They should possess knowledge of governance, public administration, and sustainable development theories and practices. A strong understanding of behavioral science and its application in governance is essential. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions based on complex situations. They should also be committed to gender equality and the principles of effective governance for sustainable development.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in public administration, behavioral economics, behavioral public policy, political science, or related fields is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of governance and the application of behavioral insights in public administration.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience within the United Nations development system or in policy advice and operational activities for development in the area of behavioral insights in public institutions is required. Candidates should have at least five years of experience providing policy advisory services in developing countries and experience applying behavioral science to governance transformation and public policy design. Experience in developing methodologies, handbooks, and other knowledge products related to governance and behavioral insights is also necessary. Additionally, candidates should have experience in international technical cooperation and capacity development initiatives.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the United Nations and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is limited to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and is initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The maximum duration of the assignment as an IRA is three years. The position is subject to a probationary period of one year for external candidates. 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.