Expert consultant- Behavioural Science and SDG Localisation
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) is seeking an expert consultant for the Beyond Lab, located within the Office of the Director-General. This consultancy will provide academic and methodological expertise to strengthen the strategic contribution of behavioural science across a wider initiative, focusing on project design, stakeholder engagement, and practical guidance.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide expert academic and methodological input to enhance a wider initiative through the strategic application of behavioural science. The role involves contributing to project design, facilitating stakeholder engagement, offering practical guidance, and supporting project scoping. The consultant will translate behavioural science principles into actionable work plans, identify key behavioural barriers and opportunities, and develop applied frameworks and diagnostics for partners. This position aims to strengthen the overall impact and effectiveness of the initiative by embedding rigorous behavioural science approaches into its core activities and outputs, ensuring alignment with project objectives and delivering clear, actionable advice to policymakers and practitioners.
Responsibilities
The consultant will lead the behavioural science strategy and provide methodological leadership for project design, ensuring rigour and alignment with objectives. This includes translating proposals into practical, behaviourally grounded work plans, identifying key behavioural barriers, and developing applied frameworks and guidance for partners. The role also involves leading stakeholder engagement, designing and delivering workshops for internal and external UN stakeholders, and contributing to the identification of high-value use cases. The consultant will lead the selection and scoping of priority projects, provide diagnostic and advisory input, and support partner coordination. Furthermore, the consultant will develop practical guidance on behavioural science application, translate insights into actionable advice, contribute case examples, and support the development of learning products such as briefings, presentations, and training materials. Strategic input will be provided through contributions to reports, concept notes, and advising on future opportunities like piloting and evaluation.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in applied behavioural science is required. This includes a strong track record in designing, leading, and advising on behavioural interventions, research, experiments, and policy innovation in complex settings. Experience with governments, multilateral institutions, or UN agencies is strongly desirable.
Skills
Applied behavioural science, methodological leadership, project design, stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, strategic advice, policy innovation, research, experimental design, developing guidance and learning products, communication (written and verbal).