Sustainable Development Officer

United Nations
New York - United States
S: Competitive

Special Notice

This post is financed by General Temporary Assistance resources for a period of 12 months. Extension of the appointment is subject to availability of funds. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member of the UN Secretariat, the selection will be recorded as a temporary assignment.

Staff Members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by the Secretary-General. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Division for Sustainable Development in New York, in the Outreach and Communication Branch. The Sustainable Development Officer reports to the Chief, Outreach and Communication Branch.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Sustainable Development Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develops sustainable development databases and qualitative information required for recurrent or ad-hoc assignments.

• Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of economic development, including on partnerships and voluntary commitments for sustainable development.

• Formulates, identifies and analyses proposals for projects and partnerships on sustainable development issues for inclusion in the Division's registry of partnerships and voluntary commitments in sustainable development.

• Monitors, backstops and assesses projects, partnerships and voluntary commitments in sustainable development.

• Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on sustainable development issues.

• Prepares inputs for reports to High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and other intergovernmental bodies, inter-agency or expert groups on issues relating to sustainable development.

• Follows intergovernmental meetings, prepares summary reports and provides substantive support, as needed.

• Participates in missions on sustainable development issues, usually as a member of a team.

• Organizes training seminars/ workshops for national experts addressing sustainable development issues, particularly partnerships and voluntary commitments.

• Participates in the implementation of outreach efforts towards enhancing the participation of major groups and other stakeholders in various intergovernmental processes, and towards greater stakeholder engagement in registering new, and reporting on existing, voluntary commitments and partnerships for sustainable development.

• Performs other duties as required, including administrative tasks.

• Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities both internally and externally.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis on sustainable development topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing sources for data collection. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, economics, public administration, natural resources management or 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project, programme or partnerships management, and policy-oriented work in a broad range of sustainable development issues is required. Experience in developing, managing and assessing partnerships and commitments as well as collaboration with civil society organizations and other stakeholders in sustainable development is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a second official UN language is an advantage.

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