Organization Mission

UNSCO represents the Secretary-General and leads the UN system in all political and diplomatic efforts related to the peace process, including in the Middle East Quartet. UNSCO also coordinates the humanitarian and development work of UN agencies and programmes in the occupied Palestinian territory, in support of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is deeply committed to peace in the Middle East. The UN works for the creation of an independent State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace with the State of Israel, and a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and international law.

Context

The State of Palestine has committed to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and is contributing in collective efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This is done through cooperation with partners and stakeholders at a local and international level to ensure follow-up on the implementation of these goals. In line with this commitment, the Palestinian government decided to establish the National Team for the Follow-up of SDG Implementation, which includes representatives from relevant government institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The National Team is responsible for coordinating the preparation of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) on SDG indicators and integrating SDG targets into national development plans and strategies.

In 2018, the Palestinian government presented its first VNR on SDG implementation and is currently in the process to submit its second VNR in the upcoming phase. Furthermore, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) is responsible for following up on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda and chairing the National Team for SDG follow-up.

MoPIC seeks to recruit a Sustainable Development Goals Coordinator to take on the role of coordinating and following up on the work of the National Team for the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agena. This includes monitoring the national SDG working groups, facilitating and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, monitoring and tracking progress on SDG indicators, strengthening data systems and reporting mechanisms, managing and coordinating communication and awareness campaigns on the 2030 Agenda, facilitating the SDG Acceleration process at national and local level, and coordinating the integration of the SDGs into national development plans.

Key Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will be hosted at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) to take on the role of coordinating and following up on the work of the National Team for the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agena. The UN Volunteer will perform the following tasks:

Coordination and Building Partnerships

• Coordinate the work of the National Team for SDG follow-up and ensure implementation of its recommendations in cooperation with relevant authorities.
• Provide support to activate the work of National SDG working groups.
• Provide technical and analytical support in documenting and assessing the impact of the current crisis and related developments on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the State of Palestine.
• Lead the formulation of a thematic SDG cluster that connects SDG 16 (peace, justice and string institutions), SDG 8 (Decent work), and SDG 9(infrastructure) tp the building blocks of the two state solutions. – Organize policy roundtables or high-level dialogues with the UN, donors, and think thanks on how the SDGs can underpin the economic and institutional dimensions of the two-State solution. Serve as a focal point for coordination with UN agencies and other stakeholders to ensure coherence and synergy in SDG implementation efforts.
• Facilitate inter-ministerial coordination between line ministries to align national strategies and sectoral plans. a.
• Promote partnerships and mobilize resources.
Strategic Planning
• Coordinate the development of a framework for localizing SDGs and indicators in line with the national context.
• Support efforts by relevant authorities to integrate national SDG targets into development plans and programs at national and local levels.
• Coordinate the development of a roadmap to accelerate SDG implementation by 2030.

Data and Voluntary National Reviews

• Coordinate and follow up with relevant authorities in preparing Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) on SDG implementation.
• Support the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics in providing high-quality disaggregated, and timely data for SDG monitoring.
•nSupport the development and implementation of M&E frameworks to assess SDG performance.
Communication and Advocacy
• Develop and implement communication and advocacy strategies to raise awareness of the SDGs.
• Coordinate the preparation of communication materials showcasing progress in SDG implementation.
• Coordinate and participate in policy dialogues with decision-makers and national counterparts.
Capacity Building
• Coordinate the development and implementation if capacity-building programs for the National Team and stakeholders on evidence-based policy planning to support SDG implementation.
• Coordinate the development and dissemination of tools and best practices related to SDG follow-up and implementation.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years of professional work experience, at the national and/or international level, in Development, Coordination, or Research, or other relevant experience; experience with public sector, International Organizations or local NGOs is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Coordination and communication skills.
• Familiarity with the principles and objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as programming and financing.
• Relevant professional experience, preferably within the public sector, international organizations, or NGOs.
• Strong proficiency in data management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and reporting tools/platforms related to SDG indicators.
• Fluency in Arabic and English (spoken and written) is required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Teamwork abilities and capacity to build strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in Sustainable Development Agenda [volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living Conditions

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. A 6-month contract with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ILS 6730.16 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as Exit allowance for satisfactory service.