Chief of Unit, P5

• Organisation: DESA - Department of Economic and Social Affairs
• Location: New York
• Contract: R
• Deadline: 19 December 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Policy Integration Unit of the Strategic Engagement and Policy Integration Branch of the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Strategic Engagement and Policy Integration Branch. FSDO provides effective secretariat support for sustained follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development and the delivery of the means of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More information can be found at: https://financing.desa.un.org/. The Department supports the development pillar of the United Nations Secretariat by fostering international cooperation for sustainable development for all. Its work spans three mutually reinforcing areas: (a) providing substantive support on development issues to the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, its functional commissions and expert bodies; (b) monitoring and analysing global development trends, prospects and policy issues to inform decision-making; and (c) assisting Member States in translating commitments and policy frameworks agreed at United Nations conferences and summits into national policies and programmes, and strengthening their capacities to implement them. More information is available at www.un.org/desa

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Strategic Engagement and Policy Integration Branch, the incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of the programme of work of the Policy Integration Unit, which serves as the core secretariat to the Economic and Social Council forum on financing for development follow-up (FfDF/ FfD Forum), including: • Assists the Chief of Branch in carrying out the work on the design and organization of FfDF ensuring: (i) utilization of the modalities of the International Conferences on Financing for Development, taking into account the updated arrangements set out in the Sevilla Commitment; (ii) full engagement of institutional and non-institutional stakeholders and coherence between the follow-up to and review of the financing for development outcomes, including the Sevilla Commitment, and the means of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and (iii) that the outcome of FfDF feeds into HLPF (High-level Political Forum) and that the Forum takes into account, on an appropriate cycle, the deliberations of relevant Economic and Social Council meetings and forums, including the DCF (Development Cooperation Forum), and relevant ongoing engagements with the private sector. • Plans and oversees the work of the Unit; ensures that the substantive work programme and programmed activities are carried out in a timely and coordinated fashion, in liaison with other DESA Divisions, other stakeholders of the FfD follow-up process, as well as donors as appropriate. • Manages, supervises and carries out the work of the Unit, including programmatic and substantive reviews of drafts prepared by others; ensuring that the outputs produced as part of this work maintain high-quality standards and comply with the relevant mandates. • Provides substantive support and guidance to intergovernmental consultations on the outcome of FfDF. • Carries out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Unit and contributes relevant programmatic/administrative inputs for the Branch, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (e-PAS),, evaluation and interviewing of candidates for job openings. • Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision. • Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Unit and across organizational boundaries. • Participates in inter-agency, international, regional or national meetings on financing for sustainable development, and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on financing for development issues, or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. • Takes the lead in resource identification and mobilization.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Thorough understanding of UN intergovernmental process in the area of Financing for Development and relevant international policy-making processes. Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in Financing for Development and formulating financing policies in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Financing for Development follow-up processes, including implementation of the Sevilla Commitment. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues related to Financing for Development and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals; Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING & 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in economics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required. Experience with intergovernmental processes at the United Nations or similar settings, especially on financing for development outcomes and the means of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

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