Planning Specialist

Contract

This is a IPSA-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Personnel Services Agreement. It is normally internationally recruited only. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IPSA-10 contracts.

Background

Instructions to Applicants: Click on the "Apply now" button. Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. Please ensure that CV or P11 and the Cover letter are combined in one file.

Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position. Travel: a) UNDP will cover the cost of travel of the individual to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only in the event that the function will be undertaken physically in the duty station and excludes working from home arrangements. b) Include any official travel expected to be associated with performing the functions

Office/Unit/Project Description The UN Secretary-General established the UN SDG Action Campaign to inspire people and organizations from all backgrounds and every part of the world to take actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, while holding decision-makers to account for progress society-wide. The UN SDG Action Campaign is hosted and supported by UNDP and is based in Bonn (Germany) with a lean team that marshals rapid support for new initiatives as opportunities arise and provides partners with on-demand strategic creative services that inspire SDG action with an engaged community of activists and concerned individuals. Through compelling and creative SDG outreach and communications, the UN SDG Action Campaign serves UN Member States and the United Nations whilst bridging thinkers and doers from civil society, local governments, think tanks, the arts and culture, the media and the business world. It mobilizes individuals to champion the SDGs in homes, communities and beyond. At a moment of acute crisis in our world, the UN SDG Action Campaign seizes opportunities to rethink messaging, call to action and reorient policymaking towards the Goals. Through tailored advocacy and communications, the Campaign builts powerful networks that reach millions worldwide, urge decision-makers to act and impel momentum. Finally it uses data, technology and innovation to empower people with the knowledge and tools to become actively involved in supporting their governments with SDG implementation and to continue to involve as many people as possible in the decision making process. Within the above context, the UN SDG Action Campaign is seeking to recruit a Planning Specialist to provide support in the following areas: executive assistance to the Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign, and coordination support to the UN SDG Action Campaign team.

Institutional Arrangement The Planning Specialist will report to the Director of the UN SDG Action Campaig (Organigram attached) and will be given access to relevant information necessary for execution of the tasks under this assignment. The Planning Specialist is expected to work at UN Bonn Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work Provide executive assistance to the Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign

• Manage the agenda of the Director, including maintaining the Director’s calendar, contacts with high-ranking visitors and partners, arrangement of appointments and meetings;
• Coordinate the scheduling and management of events and speaking engagement of the Director in coordination with team members;
• Prepare talking points, scripts and other substantive writing assignments as required;
• Prepare briefs, background notes, mission reports and related documentation for the Director, including for meetings, events and missions;
• Draft formal correspondence and documentation for the Director determining the appropriate tone and content.

Provide coordination support to the UN SDG Action Campaign team

• Facilitate the coordination of the Campaign’s Management Group including convening meetings/calls, preparation of agenda, drafting of summaries and action points;
• Tracking of progress on agreed issues, including follow-up with focal points on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken;
• Support team planning and ways of working implementation, including adherence to appropriate protocol guidelines;
• Support the drafting of reports and other Campaign materials as required

Competencies

UN Core Values and Competencies:

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and 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.
• 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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients " and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Academic Education

Advanced university degree and/ or first-level university degree, in Business Administration or related field combined with qualifying practical work experience in organizational work.

Min. years of relevant work experience

5 years with Master degree and/ or 7 years with Bachelor degree.

Required skills

Experience with planning and organizational work; Excellent drafting and communication skills; Experience in managing projects in an international environment.

Desired additional skills

Strong analytical and information management skills; Strong planning, goal-setting, prioritization and organizational skills; Strong drafting skills with the ability to edit speeches and correspondences; Strong sense of responsibility, confidentiality and accountability; Knowledge of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda; UN experience is an asset;

Required Language(s) (at working level)

Excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills in English is required; Working knowledge of another UN Official Languages is an asset;