Sustainable Development Officer, Regional Liaison Europe and Central Asia

Job Posting Organization:
The Development Coordination Office (DCO) is a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. Established to enhance the effectiveness of the Resident Coordinator System (RCS), DCO operates under the oversight of the Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). The office plays a crucial role in ensuring that the RC system is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, reflecting the UN's commitment to data-driven, innovative, and mission-oriented organizational culture. DCO is involved in various initiatives across multiple countries, focusing on sustainable development and intergovernmental collaboration.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Development Officer will be responsible for providing substantive analysis, briefings, and support to senior leadership within the United Nations framework. This role involves preparing drafts of briefing notes, key messages, and mission packs for senior leadership, particularly in complex development, crisis, and transition settings. The officer will collect, maintain, and analyze both quantitative and qualitative information on sustainable development trends and emerging risks, which are essential for informed decision-making and reporting. The position also requires conducting horizon scanning to identify emerging risks and opportunities within the Europe and Central Asia region, ensuring that the officer maintains situational awareness of relevant developments. The officer will facilitate coordination and liaison support between Headquarters and the Regional Office, ensuring effective communication of country demands and regional perspectives. This role is pivotal in supporting the implementation and monitoring of the Regional Office's work plan and contributing to knowledge sharing among Regional Offices and Resident Coordinator Offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide substantive analysis and support to senior leadership by preparing briefing notes, key messages, and meeting readouts.
• Collect and analyze data on sustainable development trends and emerging risks.
• Prepare inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies and expert groups.
• Conduct horizon scanning to identify risks and opportunities in the Europe and Central Asia region.
• Monitor intergovernmental processes and support senior leadership engagements.
• Facilitate timely communication between Headquarters and the Regional Office.
• Support the implementation of the Regional Office's work plan.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and best practices among Regional Offices.
• Coordinate with various offices on sustainable development initiatives. 1
• Undertake training activities to enhance capacity both internally and externally. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts, with the ability to conduct independent research and analysis. They should demonstrate proficiency in data collection and analysis, and be able to convey complex information effectively to management. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is essential. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, teamwork, and strong communication skills, demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse teams.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, economics, public policy, public administration, finance, natural resources management, engineering, law, social sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development, public policy, or development cooperation is required. Candidates should have experience with inter-agency and intergovernmental collaboration in the development sector. Desirable experience includes initiating and developing partnerships, as well as familiarity with sustainable development issues specific to the Europe and Central Asia region. Field experience in development cooperation and two or more years in data analytics or related areas are also advantageous.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in Russian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on funding availability. The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female 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 urged to apply online as soon as possible.