Chief of Unit

Chief of Unit

UN Departments

November 11, 2026December 19, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Policy Integration Unit of the Strategic Engagement and Policy Integration Branch of the Financing for sustainable-development-office" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The FSDO is dedicated to providing effective secretariat support for the sustained follow-up and implementation of outcomes from International Conferences on Financing for Development, as well as the means of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Department of Economic and Social Affairs supports the development pillar of the UN Secretariat by fostering international cooperation for sustainable development, working across three key areas: providing substantive support on development issues to various UN bodies, monitoring and analyzing global development trends, and assisting Member States in translating commitments into national policies. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staffing, encouraging applications from underrepresented Member States.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Unit will oversee the implementation of the Policy Integration Unit's work program, which serves as the core secretariat for the Economic and Social Council forum on financing for development follow-up. The incumbent will assist the Chief of Branch in designing and organizing the Financing for Development Forum (FfDF), ensuring stakeholder engagement and coherence in the follow-up to financing outcomes. The role involves planning and overseeing the Unit's work, managing outputs, providing substantive support for intergovernmental consultations, and contributing to administrative tasks. The Chief of Unit will also be responsible for fostering teamwork, participating in international meetings, and leading resource mobilization efforts. This position requires a thorough understanding of UN intergovernmental processes and the ability to apply economic theories in the context of sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Unit will be responsible for the following duties:
  • Assist the Chief of Branch in designing and organizing the Financing for Development Forum, ensuring stakeholder engagement and coherence in follow-up processes.
  • Plan and oversee the work of the Policy Integration Unit, ensuring timely and coordinated execution of the substantive work program.
  • Manage and supervise the Unit's work, including programmatic and substantive reviews of drafts prepared by others, ensuring high-quality outputs.
  • Provide substantive support and guidance to intergovernmental consultations on FfDF outcomes.
  • Carry out necessary programmatic and administrative tasks for the Unit's functioning, including budget preparation and performance reporting.
  • Manage, guide, develop, and train staff under supervision, fostering teamwork and communication.
  • Participate in inter-agency and international meetings, providing expertise on financing for development issues.
  • Lead resource identification and mobilization efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough understanding of the UN intergovernmental process related to Financing for Development and relevant international policy-making processes. They should demonstrate the ability to apply economic theories and concepts in formulating financing policies within the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The ability to produce high-quality reports and papers on technical issues related to Financing for Development is essential, along with the capacity to review and edit the work of others. Candidates should also be able to apply UN rules and regulations effectively in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, and the application of economic principles in development programs is required. Experience with intergovernmental processes at the United Nations or similar settings, particularly concerning financing for development outcomes and the means of implementation of the 2030 Agenda, is desirable.

Languages:
English is required 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 French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded through December 31, 2030, as approved by the General Assembly. The initial appointment will be for one year, with potential extensions subject to funding availability and budgetary approval. Staff members must meet geographical or lateral move requirements to be eligible for this vacancy. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Apply now
Similar Jobs