Policy Analyst (Open to All Applicants)

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP hosts the Secretariat of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, and is also responsible for administering the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, and for hosting the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). 

The Executive Board, under the authority of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and in line with the overall policy guidance of the General Assembly, provides intergovernmental support to and oversight of the activities of UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS. It is mandated to ensure responsiveness to the needs of programme countries. The Executive Board Secretariat provides strategic advisory services to the President and Bureau of the Board; engages with Member States and observers in support of their oversight functions; and ensures the effective organization and management of Board meetings, enabling Member States to provide strategic direction to UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Policy Analyst will report to and work under the supervision of the Secretary of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS. The Analyst will be responsible for providing policy, analytical, and organizational support to the Executive Board Secretariat, contributing to knowledge management, documentation and inter-agency coordination processes.

Provision of policy, partnerships, and analytical support 

Provision of analytical and research support in documentation and report writing  

Provision of organizational and coordination support

Provide communications and digital support

Facilitate knowledge management and capacity support

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

Institutional Arrangement

This position will report to the Secretary of the Executive Board and support the overall work of the Executive Board Secretariat team.

Competencies

Core:

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:

Business Direction & Strategy    - Business Acumen:    
-Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome Ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization.

Business Direction & Strategy -    System Thinking:    
-Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Development-Knowledge Generation:     
-Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Business Development- Integration within the UN:    
-Ability to identity, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work.
-Knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations.

Business Management - Communication:    
-Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
-Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Digital -User-centred design, user research, user testing:    
-Knowledge of user-centred design methodologies and ability to apply them practically

General (across the functions) - Event planning and execution:     
-Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

•    An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Public Administration, Law, Economy or other related field, is required. Or
•    A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields of studies in combination with an additional (2) two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of an advanced university degree.
 

Experience:

•    Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in policy analysis, drafting and support to intergovernmental processes or multilateral coordination mechanisms.

Experience, Knowledge, and skills

•    Proven experience in  research and analysis.
•    Demonstrated experience in drafting high-quality briefing notes, talking points, and analytical materials for senior-level stakeholders.
•    Ability to synthesize complex information and present it in a clear and concise manner. 
 

Desirable Criteria

•    Experience supporting intergovernmental bodies, governing bodies, or UN system coordination mechanisms is highly desirable.
•    Advanced user of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and experience with web-based management systems.
•    Experience and uderstanding of contemporary outreach communication platforms, including social media.
•    Proven track record of excellent writing and oral communication skills.
•    Experience in monitoring, reporting, and quality assurance of programmes or projects. 
•    Experience working in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, including collaboration across teams or institutions.
 

Required Language(s) 

•    Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required. 
•    Working knowledge of French is highly desirable. 
 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection [link removed]

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.