UN DESA: Director, Division for Sustainable Development Goals, D2 - New York

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). Under the overall guidance of the Under‑Secretary‑General (USG) for Economic and Social Affairs, and in cooperation with the Assistant Secretary‑General (ASG) for Economic Development, the Director for Sustainable Development Goals directs and manages the programme supporting UN processes related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Technology Facilitation Mechanism, the Water Action Agenda and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS). For more information, please visit our website at Responsibilities Directs and manages the Division for Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on providing substantive support, integrated policy analysis, building multi‑stakeholder partnerships, facilitating synergies and capacity development in thematic areas of sustainable development such as natural resources, water, energy, climate, ocean, transport, science and technology. Contributes to the formulation of the Department’s overall strategies and policies by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting, as required, in an advisory capacity to the Under‑Secretary‑General/Assistant Secretary‑General; contributes to the overall management of the Department’s activities and operations. Provides leadership to the development of innovative and/or change‑management programmes. Formulates and implements the substantive and capacity‑development work programme of the Division under his/her supervision, determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and coordinating work in the different areas both within the Division and the Department, and with other organizations of the United Nations system, donors and agencies, as appropriate. Supports the Under‑Secretary‑General/Assistant Secretary‑General in implementing mandates and initiatives that enhance internal coordination and the effective, efficient, and accountable delivery of the Department’s work. Coordinates and oversees the preparation of publications, including the Global Sustainable Development Report and parliamentary reports for presentation to inter‑governmental and expert bodies such as the Economic and Social Council, the High‑Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Multi‑Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs, the General Assembly and other policy‑making organs, as appropriate. Reports to inter‑governmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate. Ensures that the outputs produced by the Division maintain high‑quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data; ensures that all outputs produced by the Division under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates; promotes deployment of latest tools and technologies to deliver high‑quality results. Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results‑based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (ePAS), interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates. Oversees the recruitment of staff for the Division, taking due account of geographical and gender balance and other institutional values. Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision, fostering teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries. Chairs meetings, seminars, etc., on substantive issues; represents the Organization and/or the Department at international, regional, inter‑agency meetings, seminars and conferences; provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. Performs other related duties as requested by the senior management of the Department. Competencies Professionalism: Demonstrated competence in sustainable development in the context of the 2030 Agenda; proven analytical and research competence; ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others; application of UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines; professionalism, mastery of subject matter, efficient and motivated, persistent, calm in stress, responsible for gender perspectives and equal participation of women and men. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens, interprets, and responds appropriately; asks clarifying questions; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; openness in sharing information. Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs within time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with regulations; supports subordinates and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for shortcomings. Leadership: Serves as a role model that others want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; proactive in developing strategies; establishes and maintains relationships; anticipates and resolves conflicts; drives for change and improvements; incorporates gender perspectives and ensures equal participation; demonstrates knowledge of gender‑balance commitments. Judgement/Decision‑Making: Identifies key issues in complex situations; gathers relevant information; considers positive and negative impacts; takes decisions with an eye to impact on others and the Organization; proposes recommendations; checks assumptions; makes tough decisions when necessary. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, economics, public policy, public administration, finance, natural resources management, engineering, environment, social sciences or related area is required. A first‑level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Work Experience Over fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development, including at least five years at the senior leadership level in international organisations and/or government. Experience in research and analysis, policy formulation, application of sustainable development principles in development programmes or related fields. Experience managing complex programmes of work and large diverse teams. Desirable: Experience in leading or coordinating analytical publications in the area of sustainable development. Desirable: Experience in providing substantive support to inter‑governmental processes and meetings in development‑related areas. Desirable: Experience in leading or coordinating technical assistance support on sustainable development to developing countries, especially to least developed, land‑locked developing and small island developing states. Desirable: Experience in a senior management role in the United Nations. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Minimum level: English – UN Level III in Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking. Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency‑based interview. EEO Statement / Special Notice 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. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under‑represented in the UN Secretariat, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China (People’s Republic of), Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor‑Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. #J-18808-Ljbffr tendersglobal