Staff Development Officer

In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG).  In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift- anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. This position is located in the Resident Coordinator (RC) System Leadership Branch of the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO). The incumbent reports to the Chief, Learning and Development Section, under the overall supervision of the Chief of Branch. The Staff Development Officer works closely with subject-matter experts in the SDG Coordination, Policy and Programme Division and other DCO teams as necessary.

Within delegated authority, and collaborating closely with RC System Leadership Branch colleagues, the Staff Development Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Designs, develops, implements and evaluates leadership development and learning programmes and initiatives for Resident Coordinators, Heads of Resident Coordinator Offices, RC/HC Talent Pipeline and RC Pool members. • Designs and delivers face-to-face, virtual, blended and technology-enabled learning programmes and tools, applying appropriate adult learning methodologies and adapting learning approaches, content and delivery methods to different audiences and organizational contexts. • Supports the development and implementation of learning and upskilling initiatives related to UN 2.0 capabilities, including data, digital, innovation, behavioural science, strategic foresight and organizational culture, for the applicable client groups in accordance with RC system priorities. • Provides advice and guidance on learning and leadership development approaches, methodologies and tools, including technology-enabled learning and blended learning solutions, and identifies relevant practices and innovations that may be adapted to the needs of the RC system’s leadership development activities. • Develops learning and knowledge products, tools and resources to support continuous learning and professional development, in consultation with subject-matter experts and relevant stakeholders across DCO and the United Nations system. • Coordinates the implementation of leadership development and learning programmes and initiatives with internal and external partners, including relevant DCO teams, United Nations entities, learning providers, consultants, subject-matter experts and other partners; monitors implementation and recommends adjustments, as appropriate. • Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of leadershipdevelopment and learning programmes and initiatives, including through the collection and analysis of participation data, feedback and other learning indicators; identifies lessons learned and recommends improvements to programme design and delivery. • Contributes to organizational change and development initiatives and assesses their implications for leadership development and learning programmes, including initiatives related to UN 2.0 capabilities, organizational culture, inclusion and other relevant organizational priorities. • Keeps abreast of developments and good practices in leadership development, adult learning, technology-enabled learning and related areas of human resources, and assesses their applicability to the Resident Coordinator system. • Prepares analytical reports, briefing notes, background papers, presentations and other documentation on leadership development, learning, UN 2.0 upskilling and related matters. • Performs other related duties, as required.

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of cutting edge learning-related policies, participatory practices and procedures and ability to apply them in an organizational setting, for example, peer action learning, leadership simulations, use of AI for coaching, Socratic exchange or scenario generation. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and in 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. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in human resources management, business or public administration, social sciences, education or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in learning and development is required. Experience in needs assessment, instructional design, including designing, developing, and evaluating learning programmes using a variety of learning methodologies (including online, social, face-to-face and blended learning) and applying good andragogical practices is required. Experience delivering face-to-face, virtual and e-learning programmes is desirable. Experience working with senior UN leaders, or equivalent, is desirable. Experience in leadership development is desirable. Experience developing and/or delivering programmes related to UN2.0 capabilities (data, digital, innovation, behavioural science, foresight and a culture which supports these), is desirable. Experience in the United Nations system or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience administering learning management systems is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

.headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; }

Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Appointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension subject to legislative body funding availability. This recruitment and any subsequent appointment remain subject to budgetary, classification, and intergovernmental approvals, including General Assembly approval, as applicable. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. Individual contractors and consultants (Non-Staff Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered. Applicants who have reached the mandatory age of separation are not eligible to apply for job openings to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. .

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.