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.

Office/Unit/Project Description 

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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.

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

The central purpose of the Rome Centre is to ensure the effective implementation and further development of the strategic partnership between UNDP and the government of Italy across the objectives of sustainable development and in doing so advancing the broader partnership between UNDP and G7 and G20 countries.

Moreover, the Rome Centre also has a broader mandate to engage with the Italian ecosystem as a whole, which involves close collaboration with key actors in the public and private sector, with the aim to effectively mobilize financial resources for development objectives. To guarantee the effective implementation of the Rome Centre’s workplan, and indeed to ensure the strategic and long-term impact of both its programmes, the Centre will develop broader strategic partnerships and reinforce the overall collaboration with Italy and other meaningful partners.

Delivering on its programmes, the Rome Centre will provide support to the international cooperation efforts of Italy, and it will support UNDP’s global policy initiatives. Recognizing that change will be disruptive, UNDP will work to ensure that such transitions are just, and that their impact on vulnerable people is understood and duly mitigated.

Scope of Work

Policy and Strategic Contributions

• Prepare background policy notes, documentation, reports, and conduct research and analysis to provide analytical inputs on the policy field.
• Support the strategic priorities of the UNDP Rome Centre, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation, including initiatives such as the Mattei Plan for Africa, the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, and the follow-up of G7 Italian commitments.
• Contribute to the design and preparation of policy deliverables and initiatives in areas such as sustainable development, infrastructure, investments, energy, and digital transformation.
• Lead and support activities related to the follow-up of Italy’s commitments during its G7 2024 Presidency.
• Anticipate potential challenges and proactively offer solutions to support informed decision-making, particularly regarding sustainable development, infrastructure, investments, digitalization, climate, and energy.

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the organization of relevant meetings, outreach activities, consensus-building processes, and negotiations in collaboration with the UNDP and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
• Work closely with the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and other relevant ministries, national and international organizations, and stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and alignment of efforts.
• Facilitate close coordination with the UNDP Rome Centre and other UNDP directorates to ensure valuable contributions to the Italian cooperation development deliverables.
• Hold regular policy strategy meetings with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring coherence across different areas of activity.

Research and Analysis Support

• Prepare policy documents, work plans, briefing notes, and reports, and monitor the implementation of programs, presenting clear options and recommendations to senior management.
• Provide research and analysis support to inform policy decision-making, particularly in the areas of sustainable development, energy, infrastructure, investments, and human security, ensuring alignment with UNDP’s broader vision.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

• The incumbent will be office-based;
• The incumbent will report to the UNDP Rome Centre Senior Advisor for International Development.
• The incumbent will be given access to relevant information necessary for execution of the tasks under this assignment.
• International mission travel may be required.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results:  LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:  LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:  LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:  LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible  

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion  LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination  

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Required Education, Experience, Skills and Competencies

Minimum Education requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Policy, Management, Human Development or related fields is required,

OR

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the above mentioned areas in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of a Master´s degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience

Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in policy advisor, policy support, policy development or project management 

Required skills 

• Working experience in policy support and policy advisory in public and private organizations with a focus on political affairs, trade, infrastructure, and public investments.
• Demonstrable experience in strategic policy development and negotiations within international contexts.
• Proven ability to engage with key stakeholders and donors.
• Working experience in the context of Development Cooperation, its strategic priorities, and on investment and infrastructure development areas.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis and production of reports is required.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Prior working experience of development issues in the region of Africa.
• Working experience in the Italian and the European institutions, with proven ability to engage with key stakeholders and donors at different levels of governance.
• Working experience in project management, policy support and policy development in the contexts of G7 multilateral fora.
• Proven track record of previous experience in infrastructure investment.
• Proven track record of previous experience in supporting high level technical negotiations.

Required Language (s): 

• Fluency in English and Italian is required.
• Fluency in another UN language will be considered as an asset

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements