Background
As the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System, UNDP serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its work is carried out at the HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forming a contiguous spectrum of local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), which acts as its network of technical expertise on a wide range of knowledge domains.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) develops the policy guidance needed to meet the targets of UNDP’s Strategic Plan and is responsible for providing technical advice to Country Offices, advocating for UNDP corporate messages, representing UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora, and engaging in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. Moreover, it works closely with UNDP’s Crisis Bureau to support emergency and crisis response, ensuring that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP's development programmes.
As one of the Global Policy Centres managed by BPPS, and following an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and UNDP signed in Nov 2009, the Seoul Policy Center (USPC) was established in 2011 as the UNDP Seoul Policy Center for Global Development Partnerships. The Center’s functions and activities were set out to include: (1) Serving as the immediate interface with the Government on all aspects relating to the evolving ROK–UNDP partnership; (2) Serving as a knowledge center for comparative experiences and approaches of new development partners in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable human development; and (3) Facilitating and promoting learning, networking, policy dialogue and consultation among new development partners, while contributing to capacity development in developing countries.
USPC’s profile has continued to evolve since its inception and the current triennial work programme (2023-25) further augments the Centre’s role as the facilitator of global knowledge exchange and the country-level application of innovative and tested-and-proven development solutions for the achievement of the SDGs. This is achieved through the flagship programme known as the ‘SDG Partnerships,’ which it complements through programmatic, partnership, and policy activities in the following substantive areas: (i) Development Cooperation Approaches and Modalities; (ii) Governance and Gender (including a focus on anti-corruption and GBV); (iii) Green Recovery and Transition (including a focus on Sustainable Forestry); and (iv) Private Sector Engagement and Development.
Against this backdrop, the Governance and Gender team is expected to provide support to the existing thematic portfolios of USPC through:
• Support implementation of the USPC’s SDG Partnership Projects and other initiatives
• Conduct policy research to produce and share practical knowledge and resource materials
• Build partnerships, support information sharing and collaboration
• Support Centre-wide cross-cutting activities
Duties and Responsibilities
The Governance Analyst will work under the direct supervision of the Governance and Gender Team Lead. The incumbent will collaborate closely with relevant GPN teams—particularly the Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding Hub, and the Gender Team.
Project Management Support
- Oversee the successful implementation of SDG Partnerships projects in the Governance and Gender portfolio, ensuring timely delivery, risk management, and quality assurance
- Develop new SDG partnership projects in governance and gender, launching calls for proposals and selecting partner countries in collaboration with the ROK and UNDP GPN teams
- Organize and facilitate webinars, meetings, and study visits to share good practices from ROK and beyond for SSTC
- Coordinate with UNDP country offices (COs) to monitor and report on programmatic and financial progress, providing feedback to ensure effective implementation
- Assist in producing testimonies and communication materials that highlight the impact of SDG Partnership projects
- Document lessons learned and best practices from the SDG Partnerships projects and other initiatives
Knowledge Management and Innovation
- Identify opportunities to strengthen UNDP’s global leadership in democratic governance through knowledge exchange with UN partners, Korean institutions, and international stakeholders
- Support research and analysis on democratic governance, contributing to knowledge products on Korea’s policy tools and best practices shared via the SDG Partnerships programme and other initiatives
- Collaborate with ROK and other institutions and experts to develop knowledge products with practical recommendations
- Streamline USPC’s project and knowledge management systems
- Disseminate resource materials to stakeholders, fostering discussions and collaboration
Partnership Development and Technical Advisory
- Support the development and implementation of partnerships in democratic governance
- Provide technical advisory during partner consultations and project/programme design
- Adapt and localize Korean policy tools for partner country contexts
- Assist in organizing capacity-building workshops and knowledge-sharing events
- Engage with relevant institutions in ROK to foster strategic partnerships in governance and gender
- Maintain regular communication with partners to ensure collaboration and effective engagement
Other Support Work
- Contribute to various Centre-wide initiatives, including corporate reporting, communications, partnerships, high-level events, etc., to enhance organizational effectiveness.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
- Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
- Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
- Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
- Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
- Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
2030 Agenda: Peace
- Governance: Anti-Corruption
- Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights: Gender Justice
Business Direction & Strategy
- Strategic Thinking: Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
- System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Business Development
- Knowledge Generation: Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.
Business Management
- Results-based Management: Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
- Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Administration, Political Science, Social Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Law and/or other related fields is required, or.
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in fields mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master's degree.
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years (with Master's degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor's degree) of progressively responsible professional work experience in the area of democratic governance, including anti-corruption, rule of law, and gender equality.
Required skills:
- Proven experience in managing international development projects and programs, encompassing project planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, with a strong focus on results-based management.
- Strong ability to build and foster partnerships with diverse stakeholders, coupled with excellent communication skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency in designing policy analysis/research initiatives, along with the capability to produce clear, well-written reports.
Desired skills:
- Previous experience in international organizations, ROK government, or large-scale private organizations within multicultural environments; experience with UNDP.
- Prior involvement in knowledge exchange and capacity-building programs, particularly with a focus on South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
- In-depth knowledge of the ROK’s development policies, strengths, and good policy practices in democratic governance.
- High proficiency in key office software and competence in digital/AI technologies.
Language requirements:
- Fluency in English and Korean is required.
- Working knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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