Senior Sustainable Development Officer

Organizational Context

This role is within the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) of the UN Secretariat's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). DSDG leads the UN's efforts in promoting and coordinating the sustainable development agenda, serving as the global secretariat for the 17 SDGs. The position reports to the Chief of the Integrated Policy Analysis Branch.

Job Purpose

The Senior Sustainable Development Officer will lead and direct the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and policies to accelerate SDG implementation towards 2030. This includes contributing to a coordinated, evidence-based approach for Member States' preparations for negotiations on a global sustainable development agenda beyond 2030. The role involves leading research, policy development, and the preparation of substantive outputs. It also requires providing direct support to intergovernmental meetings, offering strategic advice, technical guidance, and assisting in consensus-building for future sustainable development agendas. The officer will manage outreach activities, represent the branch, and ensure effective data analysis for planning and reporting.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable development programs and projects, focusing on research and policy discussions for SDG acceleration and future agendas. Conduct research on emerging sustainable development issues, analyzing diverse sources to provide recommendations. Coordinate policy development, review assessments of trends, and guide data collection and analysis. Prepare various written outputs, including reports and publications. Provide substantive support to intergovernmental meetings, offering strategic advice and technical guidance. Manage outreach activities, develop relations with government officials, and coordinate budget and funding activities. Ensure effective personnel supervision and development, lead task forces, and promote gender mainstreaming. Represent the branch/division at meetings and manage unit operations. Analyze data to identify trends for planning and reporting, ensuring data accessibility for staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in sustainable development policy and the 2030 Agenda, with at least five years at the international level, is required. Experience in policy-oriented research, report preparation, intergovernmental processes, and multi-stakeholder engagement is essential. Experience in program development and management, working with senior government officials, and data analytics is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, strategic thinking, policy development, research and analysis, communication, leadership, planning and organizing, judgment and decision-making, negotiation, data analysis, intergovernmental processes, stakeholder engagement, gender mainstreaming.

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