Individual Contractor - Policy Advisory and Capacity Development

Organizational Context

The UN Sustainable Development Office (UNOSD) within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) supports UN Member States in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based in the Republic of Korea, UNOSD offers policy advisory services and capacity development, drawing on a global network of experts. This role contributes to strengthening the enabling environment for SDG achievement, particularly in developing countries.

Job Purpose

This role serves to strengthen UNOSD's policy advisory services and technical cooperation efforts aimed at helping developing countries accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda and adapt to/mitigate climate change. The Individual Contractor will provide technical expertise to design, deliver, and evaluate need-based policy advisory services, focusing on thematic areas such as SDG localization, water, waste management, energy transition, and climate action. The purpose is to support Member States in achieving tangible outcomes on environmental SDGs (6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 15) through research, data analysis, capacity building, and programme coordination, ultimately contributing to UNOSD's mission of assisting Member States.

Responsibilities

The Individual Contractor will provide technical expertise to support the design, delivery, and evaluation of policy advisory services for target member states. Key duties include conducting policy research and data analysis, developing capacity-building initiatives, and coordinating policy support activities. This involves preparing documents, reports, and presentations for workshops and meetings, and participating in international, regional, and national meetings to provide programmatic and substantive inputs. The role also entails supporting the development of joint initiatives, such as field missions and trainings, and assisting in drafting evidence-based Overseas Development Assistance proposals. Additionally, the contractor will produce data-driven summary reports and contribute to disseminating impact stories, while undertaking other assigned tasks related to the office's mandate.

Work Experience

Over seven years of international experience in sustainable development at the national or international level is required. Experience in research, analysis, monitoring, reporting, technical assistance, capacity building, or policy advisory services related to the 2030 Agenda and SDGs at the international level is essential. Experience conducting policy advisory missions to least developed countries and countries in special situations is also required. Experience supporting intergovernmental bodies in sustainable development, resource efficiency, and circular economy is desirable, as is experience within the UN system.

Skills

Policy advisory, capacity development, research and analysis, data analysis, programme coordination, technical cooperation, report writing, presentation skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, results-orientation, meeting deadlines, working autonomously, knowledge of sustainable development, resource efficiency, and circular economy.

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