Effective Governance Specialist [Open to internal and external applicants]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP operates as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development within the UN development system, helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through evidence-based policy advice and integrated development solutions. Through the Global Policy Network (GPN), UNDP connects global expertise with local priorities to strengthen institutional capabilities and deliver impactful development results.

Under its Strategic Plan (2026–2029), UNDP commits to supporting effective governance by leveraging systems thinking, innovation, and strategic foresight to help countries build more anticipatory, agile, and responsive institutions. 

The Governance team at the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub supports governments and UNDP country offices in the Asia-Pacific region in strengthening governance systems while promoting the rule of law, human rights, transparency, and accountability. It focuses on developing frameworks that support public integrity, innovation, political inclusion, and transparency in governmental processes and institutions, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 16.

The team is closely engaged in the regional advisory initiative ‘Building Opportunities for Leadership in Development (BOLD) that supports governments to translate evidence, diagnostics, and foresight into strategically prioritized, forward-leaning reform pathways.

The Effective Governance Specialist directly supports the implementation of BOLD in the region. S/he leads on governance analytics and diagnostics, provides strategic policy recommendations, and collaborates with other UNDP policies and programme teams to strengthen national development strategy and delivery capabilities. As part of the regional BOLD initiative, the Effective Governance Specialist focuses on enhanced implementation and delivery capacity and capabilities of public ...