Senior Programme Management Consultant

Provide high-level analytical support to the Chair of G77 for sustainable development negotiations.

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UN DESA - Department of Economic and Social Affairs

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Application deadline 3 months ago: Thursday 26 Feb 2026 at 04:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide high-level analytical support to the Chair of G77 for sustainable development negotiations.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, economics, public policy, international relations, social sciences or a related field.
  • A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in the field of policy-oriented research, programme management or policy advisory work in sustainable development can be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
  • A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in policy-oriented research, programme management or policy advisory work in sustainable development, at least seven years of which should be at the international level.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting large intergovernmental processes, including ECOSOC, HLPF or the General Assembly.
  • Proven record of providing substantive leadership in drafting and finalizing global-level policy publications or analytical reports.
  • Strong understanding of the UN system and sustainable development governance.
  • Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken); knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

This consultancy will result in substantive support to the Chair of G77 by providing ongoing advice during intergovernmental negotiations under the General Assembly, ECOSOC and high-level political forum on sustainable development, spearheading high-quality policy briefs, synthesis papers and analytical notes, preparing and reviewing substantive inputs for statements, talking points and briefings for ECOSOC, HLPF and General Assembly milestones. The consultant will be responsible for the final analytical report on G77 sustainable development engagement under Uruguay’s Chairmanship and preparing issue-based analytical summaries supporting internal G77 coordination and policy coherence.

Work Location

ON PREMISES: The assignment will be carried out on-site at UN Headquarters in New York or at the Permanent Mission of Uruguay.

Expected duration

01/03/26 - 12/02/27

Duties and Responsibilities

The Group of 77 and China (G77 and China/the Group), representing the collective voice of the developing world, plays a central role in shaping global policy debates on sustainable development, international economic cooperation, and the reform of the multilateral system. Uruguay has assumed the Chairmanship of the G77 at a moment of profound global transition, marked by widening inequalities, climate and environmental emergencies, persistent financing gaps, and the deepening of digital and technology divide. Uruguay’s Chairmanship is guided by a commitment to act as a facilitating, consensus-building Chair, ensuring continuity, coherence and effective follow-up of the Group’s work, while strengthening the relevance and credibility of the Global South within the United Nations system. Priority areas include financing for development and debt sustainability; reform of the international financial architecture; metrics that go beyond GDP; South-South and triangular cooperation; climate action and environmental sustainability; and the defense of the development pillar in the context of UN80 Initiative. Within this context, the objective of this assignment is to provide high-level analytical, strategic and policy advisory support to the Chair of the Group of 77 and China on the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The assignment will contribute to the quality, coherence and strategic impact of the Group’s engagement across key United Nations intergovernmental processes, including the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and the General Assembly, by supporting intergovernmental negotiations, facilitating common positions and strengthening the collective voice of developing countries. The work will also contribute to a balanced approach to ongoing United Nations reform processes, with due attention to safeguarding the centrality of sustainable development. Work Assignment Under the supervision of the Chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China for 2026, the consultant will be responsible for the following work assignments: 1. Senior Policy Analysis and Strategic Advice Provide high-level policy analysis and strategic advice on sustainable development issues of relevance to the Group, including emerging trends, systemic risks and opportunities related to the 2030 Agenda and its economic, social and environmental dimensions. Lead the preparation of analytical briefs, synthesis papers and policy notes to inform the Chair’s engagement in intergovernmental negotiations and high-level debates. 2. Advice to United Nations Intergovernmental Processes Provide policy advise and substantive inputs for the Group’s engagement in the Economic and Social Council, the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the General Assembly, including drafting and reviewing background notes, talking points and analytical inputs. Ensure policy coherence across tracks such as financing for development, climate and environmental governance, inequality, and development metrics beyond GDP, including linkages with UN reform discussions where relevant to sustainable development. 3. Policy Coherence and Consensus-Building Support Support the Chair in fostering policy coherence and consensus within the G77 and China by preparing issue-based analytical summaries, options papers and comparative analyses that facilitate informed decision-making and coordination among Member States, while respecting the intergovernmental nature of the Group. 4. Knowledge Leadership and Follow-up Track substantive outcomes, negotiated language and emerging policy directions across UN intergovernmental processes. Produce concise analytical summaries and forward-looking notes highlighting implications for developing countries and areas requiring follow-up or strategic engagement. 5. Reporting and Legacy Outputs Prepare a final analytical report capturing key policy priorities advanced, outcomes supported, and lessons learned during Uruguay’s Chairmanship of the G77 and China in 2026, with a focus on strengthening future sustainable development engagement.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, economics, public policy, international relations, social sciences or a related field. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in the field of policy-oriented research, programme management or policy advisory work in sustainable development can be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in policy-oriented research, programme management or policy advisory work in sustainable development, at least seven years of which should be at the international level, consistent with senior-level UN profiles. Demonstrated experience supporting large intergovernmental processes, including ECOSOC, HLPF or the General Assembly. Proven record of providing substantive leadership in drafting and finalizing global-level policy publications or analytical reports. Strong understanding of the UN system and sustainable development governance.

Languages

Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken); knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience in policy-oriented research related to sustainable development? This question evaluates your relevant experience and expertise in the field. Provide specific examples of your research and its impact.
How do you ensure policy coherence across different international platforms? The interviewer wants to assess your ability to integrate various policy areas. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain a situation where you had to lead a complex intergovernmental process. What challenges did you face? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you employ to stay updated on emerging trends in sustainable development? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you would approach drafting a policy brief for a high-level negotiation. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you facilitate consensus among diverse member states in negotiations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What role does communication play in your policy advisory work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to integrate feedback into a draft report? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: careers.un.org