The vacancy is in the Development Policy Branch (DPB) of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The Division is mandated to provide strategic/policy support to the UN’s Committee for Development Policy (CDP), which advises ECOSOC on emerging development challenges and monitors the eligibility of countries for Least Developed Country (LDC) status, as well as the situation of graduating and graduated countries. The capacity development activities in DPB are focused on improving access to and utilisation of LDC-specific international support measures for enhancing the development progress of these countries towards graduation form the LDC category.
The Adviser will be member of DESA’s IRA Network. The services of the IRA need to comply with intergovernmental guidance on the use of the Regular Programme on Technical Cooperation (RPTC), when appropriate, and with strategies and guidance concerning capacity development activities endorsed by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and supported by the Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO).
The services of the IRA aim to ensure the provision of high-level technical expertise, the transfer of knowledge from global entities to Governments on policy-related issues and development strategies and the formulation, assessment or evaluation of projects and programmes.
The incumbent will carry out the following tasks:
• Provides policy advice through short-term field missions to Governments and other relevant stakeholders in developing countries, particularly LDCs, upon their request on aspects related to the development progress of LDCs and issues related to graduation from the LDC category and/or the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action for LDCs and the new programme for LDCs for the decade 2021-2030;
• Monitors, studies and analyzes the trends and best practices on related to LDCs and prepares policy advisory notes to inform governments as well as feed into the work of the Committee for Development Policy and other intergovernmental process
• Contributes to the design/redesign of national policies and strategies upon requests from LDCs related to the use of LDC-specific support measures and graduation from the category and for the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, including the SDGs and the programme of action for LDCs;
• Provides leadership in the design of capacity development programmes, projects and activities at national, regional and global levels and contributes to implementation, monitoring and evaluation as well as reporting on these initiatives.
• Makes substantive contributions to global/ regional/sub-regional/national workshops, seminars, other training events, including proposals concerning agenda topics, possible participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Contributes to the Department’s resource mobilization strategies, notably as far as extra-budgetary funding is concerned;
• Assumes other tasks in his / her area of expertise and in line with capacity development guidance as requested by the supervisor.
• Develops and updates training materials for the areas covered in capacity development activities for the use by different stakeholders;
• Establishes and nurtures close relationships with various stakeholders in view of creating partnerships and an active network on the (specific focus area);
• Provides inputs for the normative and advocacy functions of the Division and the CDP based on the capacity development expertise.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant UN Secretariat entities and in UN funds, programmes and specialized agencies.
Representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations, consultants
Expected outputs:
* Written outputs (mission reports, policy papers, technical notes etc.) of sound and innovative advice to Governments and other relevant stakeholders in developing countries, particularly LDCs.
* The advice provided will cover a wide range of issues, including developing strategies for issues on a long-term and large-scale basis in the best interest of clients and /or, as appropriate of the organization.
* Other expected outputs include, as appropriate, papers, analytical reports, toolkits, guidance notes, project proposals, and, upon request, substantive sections of reports and studies, publications, etc.
The successful incumbent is expected to adhere to and practice the three core values of the UN system (integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity) and in particular possess the following competencies:
• Professionalism. In general: a) Shows pride in work and achievements; b) demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; c) is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; d) is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; e) shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; d) remains calm in stressful situations. In particular DESA is looking for staff with the following technical competence: 1) a high-level technical expertise in the relevant specialty concerning the development challenges facing LDCs and expertise in development planning and economic policy analysis; 2) proven ability in preparing robust project proposals and in managing project implementation; 3) familiarity with potential donors’ policies (member states, UN funds and programmes, global funds, International Financial Institutions etc.); 4) familiarity with concepts and approaches related to capacity development and with concepts and approaches related to the LDC category and related international support measures, and conversant with RBB/RBM approaches and M&E approaches; 5) proven ability to be a broker of knowledge (not only provider of knowledge), brokering issues close to DESA normative analytical mandates, particularly those related to LDCs; 6) proven ability in building partnerships with national institutions and other organizations involved in the development process; 7) proven ability in mobilizing resources; 8) taking responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Planning and Organizing: a) Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; b) identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; c) allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; d) foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; e) monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; f) uses time efficiently.
• Creativity: a) Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; b) offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; c) promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; d) takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; e) takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; f) is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, international relations, or related field.
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, in particular in the area of trade, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area. At least 5 years of the professional experience should be related to policy advisory work in developing countries, preferably in LDCs, low-income or lower-middle income countries. Proven experience in project design and implementation as well as with the application of economic, social and/or environmental impact assessments required.
For this JO Opening, excellent knowledge of English (oral and written) and working knowledge of another UN language is required. Knowledge of a third UN language is an advantage.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
This Job Opening refers to a specialised interregional adviser position. The initial appointment is for one year. Annual renewal of appointment is subject to endorsement by an internal Departmental Panel on the continued need for the technical specialty depending on updates to DESA’s priorities in the area of capacity development, and availability of funds. The functional requirements will be reassessed after five years. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. This vacancy is subject to availability of post and funds. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
The United Nations as a Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
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