Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Unit, Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), based in New York. The Sustainable Development Officer/IRA reports to the Chief of the Small Island Development States (SIDS) Unit and works in close collaboration with other staff of the Unit and the Division. The Division contributes to the intergovernmental processes on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including those under the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the High-level Political Forum, with its substantive analytical work on thematic issues of the Sustainable Development Goals. More information on the Division for Sustainable Development Goals can be found on sdgs.un.org. The services of the Sustainable Development Officer/IRA aim to ensure the provision of quality technical advice to Governments, civil society and other stakeholders to formulate approaches, strategies and programmes to contribute to the development and implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Action for SIDS (ABAS), the SAMOA Pathway, the 2030 Development Agenda for Sustainable Development, the AAAA, the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework, and other related international development goals at the national and regional levels. The Sustainable Development Officer/IRA contributes to the work of the Unit on capacity building and technical cooperation activities in SIDS. In this regard, the Sustainable Development Officer/IRA is also expected to support, where applicable, resource mobilization efforts at the Division and Department level. The Sustainable Development Officer/IRA is a member of DESA’s IRA Network. The services of the Sustainable Development Officer/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 (DESA) and supported by the Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO). Responsibilities Within delegated authority, under the direct supervision of the Chief of Unit and the overall guidance of the Director, the Sustainable Development Officer/Inter-Regional Advisor will be responsible for the following duties: • Monitors and analyzes capacity development programme/project development, implementation and evaluation of assigned projects at national, regional and global levels; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and sustainable development issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions. • Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with clients, (e.g. Member States), by planning and facilitating workshops on sustainable development issues, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing action plans clients will use to manage change. • Monitors, studies and analyzes the trends and best practices on SIDS and prepares policy advisory notes to inform governments as well as feed into the intergovernmental processes. • Contributes to the design and development of national policies and strategies on sustainable development issues as requested by SIDS, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies, for the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, including the SDGs and ABAS. • Formulates survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Provides policy advice online and/or through short-term field missions to Governments and other relevant stakeholders in developing countries upon their request on aspects of SIDS and/or the implementation of ABAS. • Works with relevant DESA divisions, regional institutions and partners (including UN agencies) to identify regional and national capacity-building needs in relation to the ABAS, the SAMOA Pathway, the 2030 Agenda and other related international development agendas in order to develop a portfolio capacity building plans and activities within the Unit’s work programme and identify areas of mutual, collaborative work. • Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts capacity building training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Ensures gender mainstreaming, including in legislation, policies or programmes. • Contributes to the Department’s resource mobilization strategies, notably as far as extrabudgetary funding is concerned. • Performs other duties as required. Competencies • PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic resources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. In particular, DESA is looking for staff with the following technical competence: 1) a strong commitment to high-level technical expertise in the relevant specialty in particular knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to sustainable development in SIDS including the ABAS, the SAMOA Pathway and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals; 2) proven ability in preparing robust project proposals and demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership; 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 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); 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. • PLANING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • COMMUNICAITON: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, economics, public policy, public administration, environmental science, natural resources management, engineering, social sciences or related field is required. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, policy-oriented work in a broad range of sustainable development issues is required. At least five years of experience in analytical work and the formulation and implementation of projects/programmes on SIDS-related issues at the international level is required. At least two years of professional experience in advisory work in developing countries (including transition countries), preferably in more than one region, on SIDS-related issues is required. Experience in writing proposals to secure funds for project/programme implementation is desirable. Experience in networking and undertaking activities in collaboration with a wide variety of actors, including entities of the UN system, as well as other external partners, is desirable. Experience in providing technical training to high-level decision-makers is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required Languages ------------------ LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeaking**English**UN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice This Job Opening refers to a specialized inter-regional advisor 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, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The maximum duration of the assignment as IRA is three years. External candidates selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTAlimited"). In accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on the Administration of fixed-term appointments. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position without a lien to their parent position. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. United Nations Considerations 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, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, 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. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.