CHIEF OF BRANCH (Chief, Policy and Programming Branch)

UN Secretariat; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Secretariat in New York seeks a Chief of the Policy and Programming Branch to lead substantive work, oversee activities, and ensure timely execution across the Resident Coordinator system. You will coordinate policy, programming, data, and digital efforts, providing strategic vision and leadership to support UN development initiatives.

You will guide integrated support for RCs and UNCTs, advise senior management, and drive digital transformation, including AI and analytics, while managing

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in business/public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 15 years progressive international development experience.
• Seven years of field experience in sustainable development.
• Five years coordinating development operational activities.
• Experience within the UN system or a comparable international organization desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and formulate the substantive work of the Policy and Programming Branch, overseeing its activities and ensuring timely execution.
• Coordinate policy, programming, data, and digital work across the Resident Coordinator system.
• Provide strategic vision, leadership, and oversight to the Branch's sections.
• Offer leadership and guidance for integrated support to Resident Coordinators, Offices, and Country Teams on sustainable development policy and implementation.
• Advise DCO senior management on policy matters and forge strategic partnerships within the UN Development System and with external entities.
• Drive thought leadership and innovation in sustainable development policy and implementation support, informing Headquarters and field operations.
• Develop strategic policy products for intergovernmental bodies and report on programmatic issues.
• Lead the digital transformation of the RC system, including oversight of digital public goods, AI, data platforms, and analytics.
• Ensure RCs and UNCTs benefit from effective digital and data solutions, fostering a culture of innovation.
• Manage budgets, staff performance, recruitment, and development, fostering teamwork and cross-organizational collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Policy expertise

Data & analytics

Digital transformation

Program management

Communication skills

Team management

UN regulations knowledge

Professionalism

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Bachelor's degree with qualifying experience

Job description

Organizational context: The Development Coordination Office (DCO) is a stand-alone coordination office within the UN Secretariat, managing and overseeing the Resident Coordinator system under the UN Sustainable Development Group. This role is based at DCO Headquarters in New York and reports to the Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination.

Job purpose: The Chief, Policy and Programming Branch, is responsible for leading and formulating the Branch's substantive work, overseeing its activities, and ensuring timely execution of programmed initiatives. This role coordinates policy, programming, data, and digital efforts across the Resident Coordinator system, providing strategic vision and leadership. The Branch supports Resident Coordinators, UN Country Teams, and DCO senior management on sustainable development policy and implementation, driving thought leadership, innovation, and digital transformation within the UN Development System to advance the 2030 Agenda.

Responsibilities: Lead and formulate the substantive work of the Policy and Programming Branch, overseeing its activities and ensuring timely execution. Coordinate policy, programming, data, and digital work across the Resident Coordinator system. Provide strategic vision, leadership, and oversight to the Branch's sections. Offer leadership and guidance for integrated support to Resident Coordinators, Offices, and Country Teams on sustainable development policy and implementation. Advise DCO senior management on policy matters and forge strategic partnerships within the UN Development System and with external entities. Drive thought leadership and innovation in sustainable development policy and implementation support, informing Headquarters and field operations. Develop strategic policy products for intergovernmental bodies and report on programmatic issues. Lead the digital transformation of the RC system, including oversight of digital public goods, AI, data platforms, and analytics. Ensure RCs and UNCTs benefit from effective digital and data solutions, fostering a culture of innovation. Manage budgets, staff performance, recruitment, and development, fostering teamwork and cross-organizational collaboration.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in business/public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with qualifying experience may be accepted as an alternative.

Work experience: A minimum of fifteen years of progressive experience in international development, policy, and program development is required. Seven years of field experience in sustainable development and five years in coordinating development operational activities are also required. Experience within the UN system or a comparable international organization, managing multicultural policy teams, and leading digital transformation initiatives is desirable.

Skills: Professionalism, creativity, client orientation, vision, and judgment/decision-making. Ability to produce and review technical reports, apply UN regulations, and manage teams. Expertise in sustainable development policy, programming, data, and digital transformation. Strong leadership, strategic planning, partnership building, and communication skills.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: French