About The Position
As the lead United Nations agency on international development, for six decades, UNDP works in some 170 countries and territories. UNDP has shaped the progress of human development, providing integrated support at scale to improve lives for millions of people worldwide. UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029 helps countries and communities in their progress towards high human development while protecting the planet through four strategic objectives – prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and healthy planet. The plan is powered by three accelerators: digital and AI transformation; gender equality; and sustainable finance. All are underpinned by a commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind. The Bureau for Advocacy and External Relations leads and supports UNDP to build and deliver essential strategic relationships and alliances. It creates and delivers a strong public narrative about the organization, impact of our work, and how we align with partners to identify and build solutions towards achieving sustainable development. The Bureau also leads UNDP’s work with traditional donors, as well as building innovative and diversified funding relationships. BERA communications enable strong political and financial backing by providing partners and supporters with a clear understanding of what UNDP does and how our mission, capabilities and services reinforce global, regional, and national development priorities. BERA leads efforts to optimally position UNDP within the UN Development System, with Member States and in the inter-governmental and inter-agency fora. It identifies strategic opportunities to partner with agencies through multi-stakeholder and bilateral platforms. It provides intelligence, advises on relationships with key political constituencies, incl. UN Member states, G77 and China, WEOG, EU, Executive Board and develops strategies. BERA coordinates and sets corporate standards across the functions of political positioning, partnerships, marketing and communications within UNDP and leads on internal communications.
Requirements
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Public Administration or other Social Sciences related field is required. Or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields of study, with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of an advanced degree.
- A minimum of 7 years (with Bachelor’s) or 9 years (with Master’s) experience in UNDP and/or within the UN System, or any government, inter-governmental and other related experience outside of the UN system with strong knowledge of the UN system or any government, inter-governmental experience.
- Strong knowledge of the UN system (including UNDS) is required.
- Proven record of inter-agency and/or intergovernmental engagement and/or experience in diplomatic relations, political analysis and advocacy are required.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with Permanent missions, government representatives and diplomatic stakeholders.
- Intergovernmental affairs expertise such as in executive board sessions, committee meetings or intergovernmental negotiations.
- Exceptional drafting skills with demonstrated experience in preparing briefing notes, talking points, position papers.
- Ability to communicate complex political issues clearly and concisely.
- Strong relationship management and networking skills.
- Proficiency in oral and written English language.
Nice To Haves
- Working knowledge of another UN language is a strong asset.
Responsibilities
- Support BERA’s leadership role on UNDP internal preparation for the Executive Board’s (EB) sessions, bureaux coordination, and targeted engagements with Member States (MS) and UN entities.
- Develop political analyses of intergovernmental and interagency developments, dynamics, and resolutions/ decisions, flagging implications for UNDP’s strategic positioning and engagement, both substantive/policy-oriented and operational/management-focused.
- Advise on, proactively identify opportunities for, and support UNDP leadership engagements with key Member States’ (MS) groups, including AOSIS, MICs, LDCs, regional groups and with a special focus on the Group of 77 and China.
- Engage in preparations of and advise on UNDP’s engagements in and positioning within the key intergovernmental fora, including High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), 2nd Committee, 5th Committee, and with the substantive focus on ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
