Sustainable Development Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) was established following the endorsement of the transformation of the Development Coordination Office by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution A/RES/72/27

• The DCO operates as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat, overseeing the resident coordinator system under the collective ownership of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). The DCO's mission is to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, ensuring that the UN's operations are optimally configured to meet the challenges of complex settings, including crisis and mission contexts. The office employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of UN development efforts across various countries and regions.

Job Overview:
The Sustainable Development Officer position is integral to the United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) in New York, reporting directly to the Chief of Complex Settings Support. The role focuses on guiding Resident Coordinators (RCs) and Resident Coordination Offices (RCOs) on sustainable development strategies in complex settings. This includes crisis and mission contexts, where the officer will engage with various UN entities, humanitarian partners, and other stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and policy implementation. The officer will be responsible for developing databases, drafting technical papers, and providing analytical insights on sustainable development challenges and opportunities. The position requires participation in international meetings, organization of expert group discussions, and preparation of reports for high-level political forums, emphasizing the importance of cross-pillar collaboration among development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Sustainable Development Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing sustainable development databases and qualitative information for assignments; drafting inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on sustainable development issues; formulating and analyzing proposals related to sustainable development; attending international, regional, and national meetings for consultations; assisting in organizing expert group meetings and seminars; preparing speeches and presentations for senior staff; contributing to reports for high-level political forums; monitoring and assessing the implementation of capacity-building projects; organizing training seminars/workshops; and performing other administrative tasks as required. The officer will also collect and analyze data to identify trends, providing insights through various data visualization methods to support decision-making and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of sustainable development theories, concepts, and approaches. They should demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and analysis on sustainable development topics, ensuring the validity and accuracy of data from various sources. The role requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to develop clear goals, and the capacity to prioritize activities effectively. Strong communication skills are essential, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. The officer must also show a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, highlighting the importance of practical experience alongside formal education.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, with a focus on policy-oriented work in sustainable development issues, is required. Candidates should have at least two years of experience engaging with development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding cross-pillar work, as well as experience in drafting briefing papers, reports, and guidance documents. Experience working in complex settings and within the United Nations system or a comparable international organization is desirable, emphasizing the need for familiarity with the UN's operational frameworks and collaborative processes.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset, although not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The recruitment process is subject to budgetary and intergovernmental approvals. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.