Sustainable Development Officer – Chief of UNSDG Mechanism

About the role

The United Nations Development Coordination Office is seeking a senior professional to lead the UNSDG Secretariat. Based in New York, the role reports to the Chief of Staff and is responsible for overseeing the Sustainable Development Group’s work planning, coordination of high‑level meetings, and integration of data‑driven decision‑making across the Resident Coordinator system.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the effective functioning of the UN Sustainable Development Group, ensuring alignment with UNSDG Principles and strategic priorities.
• Support the UNSDG Chair and Principals in preparing and organizing key meetings, producing background materials, and coordinating with member entities.
• Provide direct line management for the BIG Secretariat, offering strategic direction and oversight.
• Monitor implementation of UNSDG decisions, ensuring timely delivery of guidance, tools, and products to member agencies.
• Oversee interagency and intergovernmental processes, including the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review and Economic and Social Council engagements.
• Supervise preparation of speeches, briefing notes, analyses, and other written outputs for senior UN officials.
• Advise DCO leadership on positioning UNSDG priorities within UN bodies such as ECOSOC and the General Assembly.
• Conduct outreach and coordination with UNSDG focal points across UN agencies to promote alignment with priorities.
• Ensure cost‑sharing commitments are monitored and followed up across Resident Coordinator system entities.
• Guide, evaluate, and mentor staff while staying abreast of emerging trends and innovative approaches in sustainable development.
• Lead data collection and analysis efforts to support data‑driven planning and reporting.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in sustainable development, economics, public policy, or related field; a first‑level degree with relevant experience may be accepted.
• Minimum ten years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, inter‑agency coordination, or development system reforms.
• At least five years of experience coordinating system‑wide meetings and products affecting all UNSDG members.
• Demonstrated professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing, performance management, and leadership competencies.