Junior Sustainable Development Officer
Organizational Context
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the primary intergovernmental platform for the Asia-Pacific region, fostering cooperation among 52 member states and 9 associate members to address sustainable development challenges. As a UN regional commission, ESCAP generates knowledge, provides technical assistance, and builds capacity to support national development objectives, regional agreements, and the 2030 Agenda. The region faces significant transformations due to climate change, digital advancements, and demographic shifts, requiring integrated policy thinking and thought leadership.
Job Purpose
This role supports the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme at ESCAP in enhancing the commission's thought leadership on emerging and cross-cutting development issues within the Asia-Pacific region. The focus will be on climate change, digital transformation, and demographic shifts, particularly through substantive publications and the Editorial Board. The UN Volunteer will contribute to inter-division and inter-agency collaboration, assist with donor relationship management for substantive projects, provide research inputs on key thematic areas, support the monitoring of ESCAP's Regional Institutes, and contribute substantive inputs to intergovernmental processes, including the Commission session, to inform regional policy dialogue and cooperation.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Sustainable Development Officer, the UN Volunteer will support the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme in strengthening ESCAP's thought leadership on emerging and cross-cutting development issues in Asia and the Pacific, with a focus on climate change, digital transformation, and demographic shifts. Key responsibilities include providing coordination support for ESCAP inter-division and UN inter-agency collaboration activities related to socioeconomic thematic areas. The role also involves supporting the Deputy Executive Secretary in donor relationship management for substantive projects. Additionally, the volunteer will provide research inputs on areas such as climate change, air pollution, energy transitions, and digital transformation. Support will be given to the Sustainable Development Officer in monitoring and assisting the activities of ESCAP’s Regional Institutes. Finally, the volunteer will contribute substantive inputs to ESCAP’s intergovernmental processes, particularly concerning the highlighted socioeconomic megatrends, including during the Commission session.
Work Experience
No prior experience is required. However, demonstrated interest and/or experience in economic and publication research, coordination and logistics planning, and client and stakeholder management is beneficial. Previous UN experience, international experience, or experience in another culture (e.g., through studies, volunteer work, or internships) is desirable.
Skills
Core competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Communication, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, and Working in Teams. Specific expertise areas include Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods, Energy, Project management, programme development, and strategy.