Senior Advisor

Background
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
  Job Purpose and Organizational Context

The Joint SDG Fund supports countries as they accelerate their progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It operates through joint programmes (JPs) that provide the mechanism for transformative solutions implemented by governments and national stakeholders and supported by the UN Country Team led by Resident Coordinators (RCs). Strategic direction for the Fund is provided by the Strategic Advisory Group chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General as the chair of UN Sustainable Development Group. The Fund is managed by the Operational Steering Committee, comprised of representatives of UN entities, and with the support from the Secretariat of the Fund. The UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) hosts the Fund and provides for the alignment with the broader UN Development System reforms. The Administrative Agent of the Fund, in charge of financial management, is the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTF-O). Official documents (e.g. Terms of Reference and Operational Guidance) of the Fund and information on funding can be found on the Gateway portal.

To advance the dual mandate of supercharging the UN Development System reform to be fit for purpose and, in turn, supporting the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Fund incentivizes coherent and coordinated joint UN action, anchored in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks at country level under the leadership of Resident Coordinator (RC). Serving as the catalytic funding to piece together emerging policy priorities and financing strategies, the Fund aims to galvanize the UN Country Teams around integrated policies and identify the fiscal space to overcome the political and financial hurdles to scale and accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

The key objective of this position is to advise the Head of Secretariat of the UN Joint SDG Fund on the implementation of the Fund’s new strategy, in alignment with the Development Coordination Office (DCO) and the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) and in close collaboration with partners. 
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide high-level policy advice and strategic guidance

 

• Acts as an advisor to the Head of the Secretariat of the UN Joint SDG Fund on the implementation of the Joint SDG Fund’s strategy, in close collaboration with the Development Coordination Office (DCO) and the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG)
• Provides strategic advice on the alignment between the UN Joint SDG Fund, DCO and EOSG on policy issues related to the 2030 Agenda, the SG’s Our Common Agenda and SDGs acceleration.
• In partnership with DCO-PPB, develops the UN interagency ecosystem to support RCs thought leadership on the six transitions.
• Leads the development of written outputs relevant to the work of the Joint SDG Fund for a variety of audiences, including background notes and material for the participation of the Head of Secretariat, DCO Director, and the Deputy Secretary-General in various meetings.
• Provides strategic guidance on outreach activities and facilitates substantive contributions from a Joint SDG Fund perspective to UNDCO leadership and EOSG.
• Monitors and advises on Member States’ positions on issues relevant to the Joint SDG Fund in different UN fora, including ECOSOC, General Assembly, and specialized meetings.
• Coordinates technical-level preparatory meetings and processes for UN Senior leadership’s visits and meetings relevant to the Joint SDG Fund.
• Oversees knowledge management and exchange of best practices amongst the Joint SDG Fund, DCO, the RC system and EOSG.

Ensure strategic and strong partnership development 

 

• I