Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Programme Management and Capacity Building Unit, Division of Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). DPIDG focuses on supporting countries in building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels for internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Governance and Public Administration Officer will support the Project on Innovating Public Service Delivery to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals funded by the Government of Azerbaijan. The incumbent will report to the Chief of the Unit. More information on DPIDG available on https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the chief of the unit and the overall guidance of the Director of the Division, the Governance and Public Administration Officer is responsible for the following: Governance and Public Administration analysis • Participate in the formulation, organization and management of mandated programmes of governance, public administration and development management and in the formulation of possible governance, public administration and development management strategies, policies and actions for adoption by individual countries and/or the international community. • Participate in the identification of new or emerging governance, public administration and development management issues of potential concern to Member States and/or the international community, particularly those of a regional or global nature and design and in the development of programmes to address them; • Commission and manage governance, public administration and development management studies and analyses that cannot be undertaken internally. • Propose, design and supervise substantive research, studies, and prepare or review reports, and publications included in the Division’s regular budget programmes. • Conceive, plan and manage expert group meetings, seminars and similar consultations that contribute to the finalization of the work branch’s outputs. • Prepare reports on governance, public administration and development management and on a wide range of development and related issues for issuance by the Division. • Prepare briefing notes and speeches for senior staff and makes presentations on governance, public administration and development management related issues for specialist or non-specialist audiences. • Prepare first drafts of sectoral, country or regional components of analytical studies on governance, public administration and development management. • Propose, design and supervise research analyzing key trends to continuously enrich the substantive work of the Division. • Represent the branch/Division at international, regional and national meetings on governance, public administration and development management issues. Technical cooperation • Develop and maintain relations with senior officials of member governments and ensures a response to requests for advice and/or assistance on governance, public administration and development management issues and policies; • Conceive, plan and manage capacity development activities to promote innovation in public service delivery to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the transfer and adaptation of omnichannel approaches. • Negotiate with recipient governments on technical assistance programmes and projects • Organize and coordinate cooperation among Member States on governance, public administration and development management technical cooperation programmes; • Lead or participate in technical cooperation missions • Plan and oversee implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects in governance, public administration and development management • Design and undertake research and studies in support of programme and project formulation. • Take a leading role in supervising the administration of technical support of seminars and workshops organized by the Division and its partners. • Contribute to the development of toolkits, case studies, and analytical materials; and supports dissemination of good practices on innovation in public service delivery, especially through omnichannel service delivery. Programme support • Participate and provide direct support in the formulation of the medium-term plan, the programme of work and the budget of the branch and in the formulation of the organization’s overall programme of work and other similar endeavors. • Attend to various administrative matters concerning the Division. • Maintain records and data related to programmes within his/her responsibility and enters data, information and documentation in the UNPAN. • Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of governance, public administration and development theories, principles and applications with a focus on innovation in public service delivery. Knowledge of the principles of effective governance and the strategies to implement them. Knowledge of omnichannel public service delivery concepts and practices. Knowledge of multi-level governance, decentralization, subsidiarity, and whole-of-government and whole-of-societies approaches. Knowledge of digital transformation and data governance for public service delivery. Ability to provide policy advice on transformational leadership and changing mindsets for public service delivery. Knowledge of best practices in governance innovation, including from the UN Public Service Awards. Knowledge of innovation methodologies such as design thinking. Ability to produce quality reports and publications in selected areas of governance, public administration and development management. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Knowledge of the UN administrative processes related to capacity development activities. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public administration, governance, political science, social science, business administration, law, public finance or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in governance, public administration, development management or related area, is required. Experience working in international organizations, including with UN Resident Coordinator Offices, and in leading inter-regional capacity development initiatives in collaboration with donors is required. Experience in supporting public sector transformation at national and/or subnational levels, encompassing institutional, organizational and individual capacity development, with a strong focus on changing mindsets and leadership for reform is required. Experience in advancing governance for the SDGs, including work on public sector innovation, digital transformation, and improved public service delivery is required. Experience working with developing countries, including SIDS, LDCs and countries in special situations, and in facilitating capacity development workshops and training programmes on governance innovation and digital transformation, particularly in SIDS and other vulnerable contexts is required. Experience in providing policy advice to senior government officials and key stakeholders, including translating global norms and intergovernmental mandates into national and local strategies and action plans, is required. Experience in programme and project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, including the application of results-based management is required. Experience in networking and building partnerships with associations and schools of public administration is desirable. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are 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

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIFrenchUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This Job Opening refers to a position for an extrabudgetary-funded project of finite duration. This position is temporarily available for an initial period of three months with possibility of extension. The appointment or assignment and renewal are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, and extension of the mandate. External candidates selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA limited”). In accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on the Administration of fixed-term appointments. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of “internal candidate” in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.