Inter-regional Adviser, Public Administration

Organizational context:
This position is within the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) of the UN Secretariat's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). DPIDG supports countries in advancing effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions for sustainable development goals and digital transformation. The role provides high-level technical expertise and knowledge transfer to governments on policy and development strategies, contributing to project formulation and evaluation.

Job purpose:

The Inter-Regional Adviser (IRA) provides high-level policy advice and technical expertise to developing countries on applying behavioral insights to governance and public administration. This involves supporting governments in raising awareness, building capacity, integrating behavioral science into institutional arrangements, and improving public service delivery. The role also focuses on enhancing national development planning, promoting experimentation within the public sector, and facilitating a shift towards human-centered governance to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

The IRA contributes to the design and evaluation of capacity development programs and ensures gender mainstreaming in all activities, aligning with intergovernmental guidance and DESA strategies.

Responsibilities:
Provide policy advice and technical assistance to governments in developing countries on applying behavioral insights to governance, public administration, and service delivery. This includes capacity building, developing practical tools, advising on behavioral insights units, and designing citizen-centered interventions. Monitor trends and best practices in behavioral insights, preparing policy notes and contributing to national policy and strategy design. Participate in the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of capacity development programs at various levels.

Ensure gender mainstreaming in all actions and contribute substantively to workshops and training events. Support resource mobilization efforts, develop training materials, conduct surveys, and liaise with professional networks. Foster partnerships and provide inputs for the Division's normative and advocacy functions.

Education:

An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in public administration, behavioral economics, behavioral public policy, political science, or a related field is required.

Work experience:

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in policy advice and development activities related to behavioral insights in public institutions, governance, and public administration is required. This includes at least five years of experience providing advisory services in developing countries and five years applying behavioral science to governance transformation, policy design, implementation, and service delivery. Experience in developing knowledge products and managing capacity development initiatives is also required.

Skills:

Professionalism, Communication, Teamwork, Judgement/Decision Making, Vision, Knowledge of governance and public administration principles, Understanding of Sustainable Development Goals, Ability to apply behavioral science and insights to policy and public administration, Experience in capacity development, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships.

Required languages:
English, French

Desired languages: