UNDP Technical Advisor 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa: International IPSA-11 Opportunity for Development, Economics and Policy Experts

Overview

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Africa is hiring a Technical Advisor to be based in Pretoria, South Africa. This senior-level appointment operates at the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA-11) level and is open to both internal and external applicants.

The successful candidate will provide high-level policy advice, strategic research, economic analysis, and technical guidance across five core areas: strategic planning, structural economic transformation, development financing, sustainable and affordable energy, and regional trade. The role supports national and regional development strategies, knowledge management, capacity development, and strategic partnerships with African regional institutions.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet specific educational and professional experience pathways:

Master's Degree Route: An advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or a closely related field, combined with at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience.
Bachelor's Degree Route: A first-level university degree in a relevant field, combined with at least 9 years of qualifying professional experience.

Additional candidate requirements include:

Substantial professional experience working with African regional institutions, think tanks, or policy institutes.
Strong understanding of major cross-cutting development challenges in Africa, such as governance, youth development, gender equality, and economic transformation.
Project management, programme coordination, and capacity-development experience.
Fluency in English; knowledge of French or Portuguese is considered desirable.
Demonstrated capability in high-level policy analysis, advisory work, and partnership development.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates must submit their applications through the official UNDP Careers portal (Job Identification: 36845). Applications should be tailored to demonstrate measurable evidence of high-level policy work, relevant academic qualifications, and specific expertise in one or more designated technical areas.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 6 October 2026 at 03:59 UTC.

Overview

Eligibility

Applicants must meet specific educational and professional experience pathways:

Master's Degree Route: An advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or a closely related field, combined with at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience.

Bachelor's Degree Route: A first-level university degree in a relevant field, combined with at least 9 years of qualifying professional experience.

Additional candidate requirements include:

Substantial professional experience working with African regional institutions, think tanks, or policy institutes.

Strong understanding of major cross-cutting development challenges in Africa, such as governance, youth development, gender equality, and economic transformation.

Project management, programme coordination, and capacity-development experience.

Fluency in English; knowledge of French or Portuguese is considered desirable.

Demonstrated capability in high-level policy analysis, advisory work, and partnership development.

How to Apply