Job Opening at the United Nations Project Office on Governance
Post: Associate Capacity Development Expert
Project Title: United Nations Project Office on
Governance
Application Deadline: 26 March 2017
Duty Station: Seoul, Republic of Korea
Duration: One year (renewable)
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Background and Justification
The United Nations Project Office on Governance
(UNPOG) is a project office under the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).
Its mandate is to assist developing countries in strengthening their public administration capacities to
translate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other internationally agreed goals into
institutional arrangements, strategies and programmes at country-level. A particular focus will be
placed on those countries in special situations, i.e. least developed countries (LDCs), land-locked
developing countries (LLDCs), post-conflict countries and small island developing states (SIDS) in Asia
and the Pacific as well as the Eastern Africa.
The Project aims to fulfill these objectives by
implementing activities under three components: i) Research and Policy Analysis; ii) Capacity
Development and iii) Networking and Outreach.
Under the direct supervision of the Head of UNPOG,
the Associate Capacity Development Expert is responsible for the following duties: conduct research or
provide research support on such thematic issues as responsive, inclusive, representative and
participatory governance, innovative public service delivery and open innovation for building
multi-stakeholder partnership; help execute the activities under the work programme in the area of
Capacity Development, including coordinating and managing the organization and logistical preparation,
follow-up and evaluation of workshops, conferences and other capacity development activities undertaken
by the Project; help ensure that all outputs produced are of high quality and meet required standards;
help develop the training toolkits, online training courses and other training materials; develop and
maintain the records and list of resources persons and experts relating to the Project’s capacity
development activity; ensure the sharing of conferences, fora and workshops documents at the Project
website; undertake other programmatic and administrative tasks as necessary, foster teamwork and
communication; assist in developing partnerships to contribute to the success of the Project programme
activities; participate in international, regional or national meetings and liaise with representatives
of national and international institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs) as required; performs
other related duties as requested by the Project.
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of
governance and public administration concepts, theories and applications. Proven ability to identify
capacity needs in developing countries for fulfilling the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting
priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of
subject matter. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in
stressful situations.
Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that
are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; proven ability to
plan, monitor and evaluate activities; being conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments,
observing deadlines and achieving results.
Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills. Demonstrated
capacity to work in a multicultural environment and to establish and maintain effective working
relationships. Proven ability to work in collaboration with other colleagues to achieve common goals and
to lead and gain cooperation of others in a team endeavor.
Communication: Diplomatic skills and ability to
interact and negotiate with high level government officials are highly desirable. Public speaking skills
are an asset.
Education: Advanced university degree (Masters
Degree or equivalent) in public policy, public administration or international relations, a first level
university degree together with specialized education in the field of training (such as graduation from
a training institute) and experience in organizing large events may be accepted in lieu of an advanced
university degree.
Work experience: At least 2 years of relevant
professional experience specifically in organizing international conferences are strongly
preferred.
Language: English and French are the working
languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised proficiency in oral and written
English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Other skills: Solid computer skills including
proficiency in MS Office.
A written test and competency based interview may
be conducted as part of the recruitment process for this position.
For more information, please refer to the following link:
For those who wish to submit an optional essay, please send the following to contact@unpog.org:
Please draft a short
essay of no more than 600 words on the key challenges faced by public institutions including promoting
policy coherence for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
