Sustainable Development Officer, Regional Liaison, Asia Pacific
Organizational Context
The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) is a UN Secretariat office managing the resident coordinator system, supporting the 2030 Agenda and UN 2.0 initiatives. This role is within the Asia Pacific Regional Office, performing liaison functions from New York. The position reports to the Senior Programme Management Officer and the Chief of the Inter-governmental Section.
Job Purpose
This role supports the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and UN 2.0 by providing substantive analysis, briefings, and support to senior leadership within the UN Secretariat's Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO). It involves monitoring regional and country-level sustainable development trends, identifying emerging risks and opportunities in the Asia Pacific region, and maintaining situational awareness. The position also facilitates intergovernmental processes, supports senior management engagement, and ensures effective two-way communication between Headquarters and the Regional Office. Key functions include preparing reports, briefing notes, and providing technical support for leadership visits and engagements, contributing to evidence-informed planning and decision-making.
Responsibilities
The role involves conducting substantive analysis and preparing briefings, key messages, mission packs, and meeting readouts for senior leadership, particularly in complex development, crisis, and transition settings. It requires collecting, analyzing, and visualizing quantitative and qualitative data on regional sustainable development trends, cross-border dynamics, and emerging risks to support planning and decision-making. The position also supports intergovernmental processes by monitoring relevant activities, conducting horizon scanning for risks and opportunities in the Asia Pacific region, and providing technical support for senior leadership engagements. Furthermore, it facilitates communication between Headquarters and the Regional Office, supports the implementation of the Regional Office's work plan, and assists Resident Coordinator Offices and UN country teams with strategic planning exercises. Knowledge sharing and coordination on sustainable development policy support are also key duties.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in sustainable development, public policy, or development cooperation is required. Experience with inter-agency/intergovernmental collaboration and initiating partnerships is necessary. Experience in the Asia Pacific region, integrating gender equality, and within the UN system or a comparable international organization are desirable.
Skills
Professionalism in applying sustainable development concepts, conducting research and analysis, and data interpretation. Strong teamwork skills, collaborating effectively and valuing diverse input. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.