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 

The UN Secretary-General established the UN SDG Action Campaign to inspire people and organizations from all backgrounds and every part of the world to take actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, while holding decision-makers to account for progress society-wide. The UN SDG Action Campaign is hosted and supported by UNDP and is based in Bonn (Germany) with a lean team that marshals rapid support for new initiatives as opportunities arise and provides partners with on-demand strategic creative services that inspire SDG action with an engaged community of activists and concerned individuals.

The UN SDG Action Campaign is working closely with cities and local governments to showcase how they are actively contributing to implement Agenda 2030, accelerating transformative action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for all, and everywhere.

Local and regional governments are already responsible of over 65% of the SDG targets, most of them linked to basic service provision from water, sanitation, mobility, climate action, health or education. Cities and territories are playing a big part on the implementation of SDGs, that are becoming a new tool for strategic planning and budgeting in the mid to long-term. Since August 2023, the Campaign is operating the SDG Local Action website (www.sdglocalaction.org ) collecting stories on how cities are contributing to Agenda 2030, organizing webinars and workshops to exchange experiences, inspire and scale up local action projects as well as generating knowledge on how cities and other local governments are innovating on management, finance and governance issues.

The Learning and Knowledge Generation Analyst will generate content and knowledge on the cities and local governments contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals. Reporting to the Advisor, cities and local governments, UN SDG Action Campaign, the Learning and Knowledge Generation Analyst will organize exchanges between local governments around innovative themes, contributing to knowledge generation about how cities are developing new inclusive public services to achieve the SDGs targets and indicators. The Analyst will also generate stories and other communication assets, contributing to generate knowledge and inspire replication of successful experiences to implement Agenda 2030 at local level.

Scope of Work

• Design, plan and organize learning activities (webinars and workshops) aimed to collect experiences and solutions about how local governments are making Agenda 2030 a reality for all.
• Identify city experiences worldwide, analyze public policies and share technical expertise to the UNDP beneficiary cities globally.
• Elaborate knowledge assets, including web articles, infographics and data about human impact stories, good case studies, project success, challenges and innovative models highlighting the role of local and regional governments in SDG implementation.
• Design and elaborate content for UNDP guidelines and policy recommendations to guide local government SDG action, including urban innovation, municipal finance, transparency and open government, decentralization and state reform, multilevel governance, public service delivery, etc.
• Elaborate communication assets of the UNDP SDG Local Action in Spanish and English, including the monthly newsletter and other social media channels.
• Support the Advisor, cities and local governments in global events to showcase the role of local and regional governments in the UN global agendas.
• Contribute to knowledge management and information sharing within UNDP departments working on local governance issues.
• Build strategic partnerships between UNDP and local government networks and other partners. Promote stakeholder collaboration. Gather feedback and insights for impact evaluation purposes.
• Contribute to the elaboration of TOR for procurement process of implementation of public services in cities and local governments for learning and sharing purposes.
• The incumbent will perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

This position reports to the Advisor, cities and local governments, UN SDG Action Campaign, UNDP Executive Office.

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 Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Public Policy and Public Administration, or a relevant discipline is required.

Or

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

Minimum years of relevant work experience

Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in local or regional government..

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

• Experience working on Agenda 2030 and other UN global agendas will be an asset.
• Academic experience as a professor will be an asset.
• Experience working in innovation in the public sector will be an asset.
• Experience on capacity building for public institutions will be an asset.
• Experience working on public service delivery will be an asset.
• Experience working on partnerships in the public sector will be an asset.

Required Language (s): 

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN language is desired 

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.

Scam warning

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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements