Programme Management Officer (Regional Policy Specialist)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) operates as a stand-alone coordination office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the Resident Coordinator system. Following a recalibration in 2026, UNDCO supports the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and the UN 2.0 shift. This role is situated within the UNDCO Regional Office, reporting to the Regional Team Leader and the Regional Director, with matrixed collaboration with the Chief of Policy and SDG Financing.
Job Purpose
This role is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating regional policy, sustainable development, and SDG financing programs. It involves analyzing regional bottlenecks and risks, coordinating policy development, and supporting policy recommendations and analytical products, particularly concerning Integrated National Financing Frameworks and SDG financing strategies. The position also provides policy advisory and consulting services, conducts research on sustainable development issues, and generates data-driven insights for planning and decision-making. Furthermore, it facilitates regional coordination, engages with diverse stakeholders, develops knowledge products, and participates in field missions to support sustainable development and SDG acceleration efforts in line with the UN 2.0 agenda.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include: Programme Development, Implementation, and Policy Coordination: Developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating regional policies and SDG financing programs. Analyzing regional challenges and risks, coordinating policy development, and creating policy recommendations and analytical products. Coordinating program and resource planning, including project preparation and reporting, to support SDG acceleration. Policy Advisory, Research, and Analytical Support: Providing policy advice and consulting services in collaboration with regional partners. Researching and analyzing sustainable development issues, including policy, cross-border, and political economy dimensions. Designing data collection tools, analyzing findings, and preparing evidence-based recommendations. Utilizing data visualization and analytical methods to identify trends and support data-driven decision-making and reporting. Regional Coordination, Partnerships, and Stakeholder Engagement: Supporting regional consultative processes and inter-agency coordination mechanisms. Initiating and coordinating outreach and partnership activities with regional organizations, development partners, financial institutions, academia, and the private sector. Knowledge Products, Reporting, and Communications: Producing high-quality written outputs such as policy briefs, reports, and presentations. Synthesizing findings into knowledge products for planning and decision-making. Field Missions and Other Assignments: Leading or participating in complex field missions, providing guidance, and preparing reports and recommendations.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme/project management, sustainable development, public policy, economic analysis, or development cooperation is required. Experience in data analytics is desirable. Experience within the UN system, with sustainable development policy in the Arab States region, private sector engagement for SDG financing, partnerships with civil society, and assessment/reporting in a development context are also desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Communication, Data analysis and interpretation, Research and analysis, Policy development and coordination, Programme and project management, Stakeholder engagement and partnership building, Knowledge product development, Report writing.