Job Description
Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:
Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as โinternalโ candidates) Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidatesBackground
As the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System, UNDP serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its work is carried out at the HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forming a contiguous spectrum of local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), which acts as its network of technical expertise on a wide range of knowledge domains.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)ย develops the policy guidance needed to meet the targets of UNDPโs Strategic Plan and is responsible for providing technical advice to Country Offices, advocating for UNDP corporate messages, representing UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora, and engaging in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. Moreover, it works closely with UNDPโs Crisis Bureau to support emergency and crisis response, ensuring that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP's development programmes.ย
As one of the Global Policy Centres managed by BPPS, and following an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and UNDP signed in Nov 2009, the Seoul Policy Center (USPC) was established in 2011 as the UNDP Seoul Policy Center for Global Development Partnerships. The Centerโs functions and activities were set out to include: (1) Serving as the immediate interface with the Government on all aspects relating to the evolving ROKโUNDP partnership; (2) Serving as a knowledge center for comparative experiences and approaches of new development partners in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable human development; and (3) Facilitating and promoting learning, networking, policy dialogue and consultation among new development partners, while contributing to capacity development in developing countries.ย
USPCโs profile has continued to evolve since its inception and the current triennial work programme (2023-25) further augments the Centreโs role as the facilitator of global knowledge exchange and the country-level application of innovative and tested-and-proven development solutions for the achievement of the SDGs. This is achieved through the flagship programme known as the โSDG Partnerships,โ which it complements through programmatic, partnership, and policy activities in the following substantive areas: (i) Development Cooperation Approaches and Modalities; (ii) Governance and Gender (including a focus on Anti-corruption and SGBV); (iii) Green Recovery and Transition (including a focus on Sustainable Forestry); and (iv) Private Sector Engagement and Development.
Against this backdrop, the Green Recovery and Transition team is expected to provide support to the existing thematic portfolios of USPC through:ย
Support implementation of the USPCโs SDG Partnership Projects and other initiatives;ย Conduct policy research to produce and share practical knowledge and resource materials;ย Build partnerships, support information sharing and collaboration; Support Centre-wide cross-cutting activities.Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will be working directly under the supervision of the Centreโs Green Recovery and Transition Policy Specialist.
Under the leadership of the Green Recovery and Transition Team Lead, the position will include four main areas of work:ย
Project Management Support
Ensuring successful implementation of SDG Partnerships projects and other programmes in the green recovery and transition portfolio, ensuring timely and successful delivery of all the agreed activities, making necessary adjustments and managing risks, including reporting, providing quality assurance support, and communication. Sectors will include sustainable forestry as well as other areas linked to green recovery and low-carbon transition: circular economy (waste management, plastic, wastewater), climate mitigation and adaptation), carbon markets and sustainable finance, energy (renewable energies, energy efficiency air pollution, digitalization and technology);ย Designing new SDG Partnerships projects and related programmes for USPC as part of the extension of the Green Recovery and Transition's portfolio. Supporting USPC staff, UNDP Country Offices, as well as Korean and international project partners. Support communication work (web notes, social media posts, presentations) related to the Green Recovery and Transition Team's portfolio.ยKnowledge Management & Knowledge Product Creation on Green Recovery and Low-Carbon Transitionย
Authoring & editing various knowledge products on Koreaโs policy tools that are shared through SDG partnership projects;ย Conducting research & analysis on relevant areas of USPCโs green recovery and transition (climate, energy, environment, forestry, circular economy, carbon markets, sustainable finance) work; and produce briefs, presentations, reports for USPC staff and community of practice; Support USPC's knowledge products creation.ยOrganization of various knowledge-exchange & representation events for USPCย
Designing and implementing innovative concepts for USPCโs knowledge exchange activities including promotion of South-South and Triangular Cooperation;ย Providing substantive support and administrative and logistical services (if needed) for organizations of online and off-line workshops, study visits, policy dialogues, advocacy events, missions, etc.ยSupport of cross-cutting activities for USPC
Support the functions of the Green Recovery and Transition Team Lead including but not restricted to:ย preparation work related to USPC steering committee, USPC annual work plan design and reporting, USPC inputs into results-oriented annual reporting (ROAR), BPPS integrated work plan, internship recruitment, requests from GPN, BPPS and other UNDP entities, drafting official emails in English language and Korean languages, various administrative and budgetary requests.ย Support the facilitation of partnerships between UNDP and relevant development actors, particularly Korean organizations and IOs located within the ROK; assist with preparing high-quality and timely inputs into Centre Directors meetings and speaking engagements; Support the organization of flagship events such as but not limited to Seoul Debates and the Human Development Report Launch; Support outreach and communications activities on relevant USPC activities.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core competencies
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 improvementsย 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 flexibleย 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 discriminationยCross-Functional & Technical competenciesย
2030 Agenda: Prosperityย ย ย ย ย ย ย
Inclusive Growth - Green EconomyBusiness Direction & Strategyย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
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 systemBusiness Developmentย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
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 Managementย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
Results-based Management - Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools. Customer Satisfaction/Client Management - Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Monitoring and evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.ย Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.ย Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Working with Evidence and Data - Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-makingRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (Masterโs degree or equivalent) in Environment, Energy, Climate or Social Sciences and/or any other relevant field is required. Orย A first-level university degree (Bachelorโs degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Masterโs degree.ย Specific trainings on issues such as project management and green transition is a strong asset.Experience:
Applicants with a Masterโs degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.ย Applicants with a Bachelorโs degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two years of professional experience in environment, climate or low-carbon development in a public sector or international organization context.Desired skills
Experience in the usage of computers, office software packages, video conferencing platforms (e.g. Zoom), social media. Good cultural and gender sensitivity is required. Demonstrated experience (including professional and specific trainings) on green transition (climate, environment, energy, forestry) and project management. Demonstrated experience in project management and events organization. Demonstrated experience in drafting and editing research papers, including writing clear and well-constructed reports and knowledge products. Demonstrated familiarity with Korean development policy including environmental and climate policy, effective development cooperation, and SSTC. Work experience with UN agencies, international organizations, and development partners.ย Demonstrated experience on digital transition.ยRequired Languages
Fluency in English and Korean is required.ย Working knowledge of other UN language is an asset.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.ย
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.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
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