SDG Finance Regional Policy Advisor

job Description

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are fundamental principles at UNDP, valuing diversity as an expression of the multitude of nations and cultures where operations occur. Inclusivity ensures all personnel contribute to the mission, promoting equity and fairness. The 'leave no one behind' approach emphasizes increasing representation of underserved populations, encouraging those identifying with marginalized groups to apply.

UNDP operates in nearly 170 countries and territories, aiding in poverty eradication and reducing inequalities. It serves as the knowledge frontier for sustainable development, integrating collective action to achieve the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the SDGs. The SDGs demand a fundamental reshaping of both domestic and international markets, requiring a systemic reorientation in how governments, businesses, and investors interact to achieve sustainable development in economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

UNDP is increasingly recognized as a key player in SDG Finance, especially in the post-COVID-19 context. The Strategic Plan 2018-22 focuses on six signature solutions, including enhancing national resilience, promoting nature-based solutions, and closing the energy gap. The complexity of the financing environment in Sub-Saharan countries underscores the need for national domestic resource mobilization, south-south cooperation, and the emergence of new inclusive and sustainable business models.

UNDP is committed to transforming its approach to policy and program support, exponentially increasing SDG action. The Global Policy Network (GPN) reorients staff into technical teams, and the Sustainable Finance Hub builds an agile innovation platform to support the mobilization and leveraging of financing for the SDGs. In this context, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is seeking to recruit an SDG Finance Advisor for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead SDG Financing policy and programme support for country offices:
-Support UNDP country offices in engaging with governments, the UN country team, private sector, IFIs, and development partners.
-Provide policy advisory support on scaling up financing for the SDGs and the 2063 Agenda at the country level.
-Support the development of comprehensive Financing Strategies, including the Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFF), budget reform, debt, and fiscal instruments.

Lead SDG Financing policy and programme support at the regional level:
-Collaborate with RBA Management on SDG financing efforts with regional UN system partners, focusing on the INFF initiative.
-Oversee the work of the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub related to SDG Finance, INFF, SDG budgeting, and costing.
-Steer the Regional SDG Tax and Fiscal Policy agenda in Africa in coordination with Tax Inspectors without Borders (TIWB).
-Promote south-south cooperation partnerships at regional and inter-regional levels.

Lead regional advocacy, partnerships, and resource mobilization for SDG Financing:
-Build and maintain a network of knowledge and implementation partners on SDG Financing.
-Raise resources for UNDP COs from regional and global sources, including donor countries, south-south partners, foundations, and the private sector.
-Lead strategic positioning and collaboration of UNDP vis-à-vis regional UN agencies, UNECA, regional economic commissions, the AU, bilateral partners, and IFIs.

Knowledge Management:
-Lead a community of practice on SDG finance across RBA COs and connect with other regions through the Sustainable Finance Hub.
-Coordinate knowledge extraction, analysis, documentation, and codification of results/lessons learned for INFF and SDG Financing.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:
-Supervise five people.
-Promote cross-unit teamwork and professional development of the team members.

Competencies:
-Achieve Results: Set and align challenging objectives, think innovatively, learn continuously, adapt with agility, act with determination, engage and partner, enable diversity and inclusion.

People Management:
-Supervise and promote cross-unit teamwork, and professional development of the team members.

Cross-Functional & Technical:
-Business Direction and Strategy - Strategic Thinking.
-Business Direction and Strategy - System Thinking.
-Business Management - Results-based Management.
-Business Management - Partnerships Management.
-Business Management - Communication.
-Business Development - Integration within the UN.

Qualifications and Experience

Master's degree, preferably in international development, law, international affairs, business administration, development economics, or a relevant field.

Experience:
-Minimum of 10 years of professional experience advising governments on sustainable development strategic planning and development finance.
-Proven track record of leadership in developing policies and implementing programs on integrated national financing frameworks.
-Demonstrated in-depth experience in providing policy and programmatic advice on SDG financing and South-South Cooperation in Africa.
-Excellent coordination, negotiating, and communication skills.
-Experience working in the Africa region is an advantage.

Language:
-Full proficiency in English.
-Knowledge of French, Portuguese, or Spanish is desirable.