Result of Service
The consultant is expected to contribute significantly to assessing the 2017 reform initiatives and identifying gaps that remain to be addressed by the end of December 2026. The consultant will support the Special Advisor in identifying the outstanding areas and blockages to achieving the Secretary-General reforms. The consultant will also support the review of some business models of the United Nations entities, as well as the needed cultural shifts and alignment with UN 2.0 across the system.
Duties and Responsibilities
Background: After successfully implementing the three streams of reform proposals, the Secretary-General has decided to set up a Senior Leadership team led by a Special Adviser on Reforms to deliver an internal review. The Under-Secretary-General (USG), supported by a consultant, will ensure coordination across the three Reform streams (Sustainable Development, Peace & Security and Management). The Senior Leadership team will lead specific initiatives deepening the impact of the UN Reform and make recommendations to key departments, the UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), the UN High-Level Committee on Management (HLCM), and the Secretary-General to consolidate UN Reform implementation. Building on the significant structural reforms since 2017 encapsulated in the SG’s vision of a modern United Nations system, rejuvenated by a forward-thinking culture, and empowered by cutting-edge skills fit for the twenty-first century, the consultant will play a vital role in supporting the Special Advisor in leading the remaining efforts of the Secretary-General reforms. The consultant will collaborate with offices and departments across the Secretariat to identify blockage and renew engagement on key reform initiatives. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Support the consolidation and implementation of reforms across all three reform streams and integrate key recommendations from the Pact of the Future in all reform initiatives. 2. Work across departments to catalog reform status and identify obstacles with a view to advancing concepts for deeper internal reforms implementation. Support the USG in ensuring adequate linkages of the Secretary-General Reforms implementation across governing bodies, Funds, Programmes, and Agencies of the United Nations common system and administrative advisory bodies are proceeding in timely manner. 3. Support the strategic direction of the implementation of the remaining reform gaps with a focus on the integration with the Management and the Peace and Security pillar. 4. Support the engagements for consistent and accelerated implementation of agreed UN-wide operational and management policy initiatives, including through the Business Innovation Group (BIG). 5. Proactively seek and curate engagements that align with the objectives of Secretary-General Reforms and cater to the interests and needs of the diverse stakeholders. Regularly evaluate the status of new engagements and gather obstacles and delays, gathering feedback to improve and tailor future activities. 6. Oversee and coordinate, as well as provide support to the Special Advisor to undertake specific consultations, fact-finding, and development of plans to implement remaining Secretary-General reforms in sequencing, resourcing, and actioning each recommendation. 7. Support to maintain the level of ambition for the overall exercise, navigating the political elements of institutional reform. 8. Regularly brief the stakeholders and Special Advisor, seeking guidance and providing advice. Linking the direction and steer provided by the senior leadership back into the work of the Senior leadership team led by the Special Advisor of the Secretary-General on reforms.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced degree in international relations, political science, or related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in in the United Nations system, including experience in the development or implementation of high-level institutional reform initiatives is required. Experience in project management and coordination of community activities, campaigns, and events is required. Interpersonal skills to engage diverse stakeholders effectively is required. Written and verbal communication skills is required. Experience working with or within United Nations oversight bodies is desirable.
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.