Overview
This role leads the Strategic Planning and Communications Service, focusing on policy formulation, thought leadership, strategic planning, communications, and ICT governance.
Key Responsibilities
- Supports the Under-Secretary-General and Assistant Secretaries-General in defining strategic priorities and coordinating shared goals.
- Leads, supervises, and carries out the work programme of the Service.
- Supports senior management in thought leadership and analytical work.
- Strengthens collaboration among DESA Divisions to address emerging challenges.
- Promotes strategic integration and policy coherence with other Secretariat entities.
- Provides strategic direction and oversight of analytical work, ensuring publications are robust and aligned with objectives.
- Reviews and validates analyses and reports.
- Oversees the preparation of the Department’s annual plan of action and performance reports.
- Ensures Department publications and policy briefs are substantively robust, methodologically sound, coherent, and strategically relevant.
- Serves as the focal point for the Department’s work related to the Executive Committee of the Secretary-General and the Executive Committee on Economic and Social Affairs.
- Oversees the preparation and implementation of the Department’s strategic communications plan and public information outreach materials.
- Guides the preparation and implementation of the Departmental ICT strategy.
- Undertakes or oversees programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Service, including budget preparation, reporting, securing extrabudgetary resources, and managing related projects.
- Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical balance.
- Manages, guides, develops, and trains staff under supervision.
- Fosters teamwork and communication among staff.
- Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on economic and social issues.
- Represents the Service at internal and external meetings and conferences.
Required Experience
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development research and policy analysis in an international environment is required. A minimum of five years of experience in strategic planning within a global sustainable development context is required. Experience in managing complex programmes and diverse teams is required. Experience in the production of publications, including substantive review and quality assurance, in the development field is required. Experience in developing communication materials (e.g., communication campaigns, speeches, press releases, articles, audio-visual materials or similar) in the development field is required. Experience in intergovernmental support and inter-agency engagement is desirable.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in economics, social sciences, sustainable development or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
