SENIOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingTo ensure a United Nations that is fit-for-purpose to deliver on the ambition of the SDGs, the General Assembly adopted the most far-reaching development reforms in the history of the organization in May 2018. At the core of resolution 72/279 was the establishment of a reinvigorated, independent, impartial, and empowered Resident Coordinator (RC) system to support a new generation of UN country teams (UNCTs). The position is located in the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UN DCO) Headquarters in New York. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Policy and Programming Branch. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Officer will be responsible for the following: • Drives DCO's strategic thinking on system-wide and interagency programming and implementation for sustainable development in complex settings; ensures the delivery of timely and quality outputs in support of the integrated programming needs of Resident Coordinators (RCs) and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) in complex settings. • Supports RCs and UNCTs on matters relating to the alignment of United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks and Integrated Strategic Frameworks, Humanitarian Response Plans, Refugee Response Plans and other system-wide planning and programme frameworks. • Advises UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) members on issues relating to humanitarian development collaboration. • Closely liaises with DCO Regional Offices to ensure effective support to RCs and UNCTs on relevant workstreams; facilitates feedback from field experiences to contribute to UNSDG policies and guidance on these issues. • Identifies, develops and maintains networks on system-wide and interagency policy and programming matters with UNSDG entities, with a view to ensure high quality and effective support to RCs and UNCTs. • Works with colleagues in UN DCO to ensure integrated approaches to the provision of support to RCs and UNCTs. • Directs subordinates in interagency guidance development and knowledge management; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions. • Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels. • Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Performs other related duties, as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of UN sustainable development in general and of UN development system reforms and UN inter-agency programming in particular. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international relations, development, business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of ten years of progressively responsible programme management experience in the area of development cooperation is required. Management experience in complex settings and coordination on cross-pillar issues at the country level is required. Experience in the United Nations development system or a comparable international organization is required. Experience at the headquarters of an international organization is required. Experience in managing large multicultural teams at the country, regional or global levels is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).