Programme Management Officer

Org. Setting and ReportingThe position is located in the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UNODET). UNODET was established on 1 January 2025, with a mandate to: (a) advise the senior leadership of the United Nations on key trends in technology, so as to guide the strategic approach taken by the Organization on such issues; (b) serve as advocate and focal point for digital cooperation, through engagement with Member States, the technology industry, civil society and other stakeholders; (c) facilitate multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on digital and emerging technologies; (d) strengthen system-wide coordination within and across the United Nations system on digital and emerging technologies; (e) support the follow-up and implementation of the Global Digital Compact (A/RES/79/1 Annex 1). Through the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, UNODET also leads the implementation of the Secretary-General's vision on digital cooperation by working closely with various UN entities and multi-stakeholder groups, facilitating dialogue to accelerate global digital cooperation, seizing on the opportunities that are presented by technology – while mitigating the risks – so that progress towards achieving the Goals by 2030 can be made collectively, as well as carrying out other related duties and responsibilities assigned by the Secretary-General, including follow up actions from the Secretary-General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and the report \"Our Common Agenda\". This position is based in New York, and will report to the Senior Programme Management Officer. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Programme Management Officer (Digital Cooperation) will be responsible for the following duties: Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects related to digital cooperation; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources on key topics such as AI governance, digital public infrastructure, open source, and other issues related to global digital cooperation, as covered by Global Digital Compact and the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation. Coordinates stakeholder engagement, including with Member States, UN entities, civil society, the private sector, and academia; supports inter-agency coordination and multi-stakeholder processes related to digital governance. Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, speeches and statements for Senior Officers. Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, high-level events, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. Performs other duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. 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; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree, or equivalent) in public administration, digital policy, economics or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project management, administration, or a related field is required. A minimum of two years of professional experience supporting initiatives in digital cooperation, emerging technologies, or frontier policy areas (e.g., AI governance, digital public infrastructure, or open source) is required. Experience contributing to the drafting or implementation of strategies or policy frameworks related to digital transformation or international AI governance is desired. Experience supporting the implementation or coordination of UN intergovernmental processes in the area of AI governance is desired. Experience coordinating with Regional Coordinator Offices (RCOs) or similar offices in the area of global digital cooperation (e.g. the Global Digital Compact) is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).