UNCDF Policy Specialist, P3 PPC, New York, USA – Temporary Appointment

Background of The UNCDF Policy Specialist Role

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNCDF Policy Specialist PPC:  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.

Duties and Responsibilities 

The roles of a UNCDF Policy Specialist are outlined below;

1. Provides strategic planning and policy advice on inter-governmental processes and UN inter-agency related matters, with a view to ensuring a robust contribution from and positioning of UNCDF.

2. Supports UNCDF’s corporate engagement in key UN intergovernmental processes, including especially related to the preparations for the Fourth Conference on Financing for Development in 2025, the Summit of the Future, negotiations of the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR), and other key processes;

3. Contributes to inter-governmental debates and developments, including providing policy advice and support on strategic engagement opportunities for UNCDF, preparing UNCDF contributions to background papers, reports, official events, and side events; 

4. Facilitates UNCDF’s engagement with its Executive Board, including helping to prepare and review UNCDF reports to the board, arrange informal briefings, and manage relationships; 

5. Follows and proactively engages in relevant UN interagency processes and mechanisms and advises on strategic opportunities for UNCDF participation and engagement, including in relation to UNDP and other UN development system entities; 

6. Represents UNCDF in select interagency mechanisms as appropriate and prepares relevant documentation for the participation of the Executive Secretary or Deputy Executive Secretary.

Competencies for the UNCDF Policy Specialist Role 

Core Competencies for the UNCDF Policy Specialist role ;

• Achieve Results:   
• Think Innovatively:   
• Learn Continuously:   
• Adapt with Agility:
• Act with Determination:    
• Engage and Partner:   
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies For The UNCDF Policy Specialist role;

1. Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interrelated elements coexist. 
2. Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.
3. Ability to identity, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work.
4. Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity
5. Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment
6. Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding   
7. Knowledge of intergovernmental bodies (General Assembly, ECOSOC, UNDESA, etc.).
8. Ability to develop and work with innovative financing mechanisms and instruments. 

Required Skills and Experience for the UNCDF Policy Specialist Role;

• Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Finance, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science or related field is required. OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience 
• Minimum 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the international level in strategy development and policy-level analysis and advocacy.
• Experience in supporting UN inter-agency and intergovernmental processes is required.
• Proven experience of developing strategy and policy documents in an international organization is required.
• Experience in research and gathering data, statistics, and relevant information to support policy recommendations Experience working in a Least Development Countries (LDC) context is an added advantage.
• Experience working collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Fluency in English, with excellent writing and editing skills is required.
• Fluency in French will be considered a distinct advantage.

Apply Here