Director, Division for Sustainable Development Goals

Organizational Context

The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) within the UN Secretariat's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) supports UN processes related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This Director role is situated within DSDG, operating under the guidance of senior leadership and managing programs focused on sustainable development, technology, water, and SIDS agendas.

Job Purpose

The Director of the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) is responsible for leading and managing the division's comprehensive work program. This includes providing substantive support, integrated policy analysis, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships across various sustainable development themes. The role involves developing innovative programs, formulating strategies, and overseeing the implementation of work plans, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and resource allocation. The Director also plays a key role in intergovernmental processes, preparing reports for bodies like the Economic and Social Council and the High-level Political Forum, and ensuring high-quality, data-driven publications. Additionally, the position involves managing administrative tasks, overseeing recruitment, and developing staff to foster teamwork and achieve organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage the Division for Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on substantive support, policy analysis, partnerships, and capacity development in areas like natural resources, energy, climate, and technology. Contribute to departmental strategies and policies, advising senior management and overseeing overall departmental operations. Lead the development of innovative and change management programs. Formulate and implement the division's work program, setting priorities and allocating resources. Oversee program activities, ensuring timely execution and coordinating efforts within the division, department, and with external organizations. Support senior management in enhancing internal coordination and effective delivery of departmental work. Coordinate the preparation of key publications, including the Global Sustainable Development Report and parliamentary reports for intergovernmental bodies. Ensure high-quality, objective, and data-driven outputs from the division. Manage programmatic and administrative tasks, including budgeting, performance monitoring, and staff performance evaluation. Oversee recruitment, promoting diversity and institutional values. Lead, guide, and develop staff, fostering teamwork. Represent the organization at international meetings and provide substantive expertise.

Work Experience

Requires over fifteen years of progressive experience in sustainable development, with at least five years in senior leadership within international organizations or government. Experience in research, policy formulation, program management, and leading diverse teams is essential. Experience with analytical publications, supporting intergovernmental processes, and technical assistance to developing countries is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Communication, Accountability, Leadership, Judgement/Decision-making, Analytical and research competence, Policy formulation, Program management, Intergovernmental support, Staff development, Teamwork.

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