Consultant, Intergovernmental Affairs and Africa

Result of Service 1. The consultant’s research on corporate sustainability will be used as part of the planning process for strengthening of Global Compact’s local presence in Global South countries.

2. The consultant’s outputs will be presented to the Government Group, inform proposals for grants, and also inform the development of events with a development focus.

3. UNGC is embedded in the OPGA and OPECOSOC, leading to strengthened recognition by Member States and UN entities, contribution to the initiative’s growth and impact.

4. The execution of successful and well-coordinated roundtable events, and other related convenings for the ABLC.

Work Location United Nations Global Compact

Expected duration 12 months, starting as soon as possible.

Duties and Responsibilities This consultancy assignment is with the United Nations Global Compact Office (UNGCO) in New York.

The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is the United Nations' voluntary corporate sustainability initiative in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption. It revolves around ten universal principles drawn from four key international instruments in these areas. The Global Compact Office is the United Nations entity responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Global Compact initiative. It pursues two complementary objectives: (1) making the Global Compact and its principles part of business strategy and operations everywhere; and (2) facilitating cooperation among key stakeholders by promoting partnerships and collective action in support of United Nations, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and responsibilities:

The consultant, under the overall guidance of the Chief of Intergovernmental Relations and Africa, and through the supervision of the Programme Officer, will provide substantive support to the strategic projects and events outlined below by delivering key reports and research to the United Nations Global Compact Office (UNGCO). The Consultant will ensure that the deliverables and outputs build value for the initiative, advance the intergovernmental work of the Global Compact, and support the implementation of its Africa Strategy. The consultant will also carry out research on grants/foundations and other sources focusing on supporting programmes/projects on sustainable development/corporate sustainability in Africa. The consultant will be responsible for the following functions:

1. Assist in the implementation of the UNGC Africa Strategy and development of policy documents on the Global South, consistent with the Global Compact’s 2020 Strategy, the 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, among others.

• Develop research on corporate sustainability to better inform the Global Compact engagement in the Global South. The consultant is expected to assist in delivering a tailored regional approach to government relations with the Global South.
• Generate new concrete targets for the UNGC and local networks to reach in ensuring strengthened relationship with member states from the Global South, including in the context of Voluntary National Reviews.

2. Support the UNGC’s intergovernmental relations capacity, especially in liaison with the Office of the President of the General Assembly, the President of the Economic and Social Council, and other principal intergovernmental organs of the United Nations.

• Assist the Chief and Senior Manager of Intergovernmental Relations & Africa, in substantive, administrative, and protocolar matters related to requests, convenings, and other related issues involving the Principal Organs of the UN, notably the UN General Assembly, on issues related to private sector engagement such as environment, gender, labour, etc.
• Attend working-level meetings on a variety of topics, to ensure that the Global Compact is well aware of the latest developments in intergovernmental processes, and provide input on strategic opportunities to best position the UNGC in different UN events.

3. Support Secretariat of the Africa Business Leaders Coalition

• Support the Chief and Senior Manager of Intergovernmental Relations and Africa on the conceptualization, organization, and follow-up of the related meetings of the Africa Business Leaders Coalition, most notably its regional roundtable events
• Liaise with the executive offices of the organizational heads of the ABLC participants in logistical, substantive, and protocolar matters
• Provide support in inter-office coordination and mobilization to organize and support the ABLC’s activities

• Support the identification and engagement of UN partners and other regional/international organizations in mobilizing support for the ABLC.

  Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: First-level university degree in social sciences, law, or business administration is required. Master level university degree in business administration is desirable. Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required.

Experience in corporate sustainability is desirable.

Experience in intergovernmental relations and support is desirable.

Experience working in the United Nations, or other similar international organization, is desirable.

Experience with corporate sustainability focusing on Africa is desirable. Language: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.