A number of vulnerable communities are now benefitting from 250 dignity kits that were recently distributed to them by key UNFPA government and NGO partners. These kits, essential for maintaining hygiene and dignity, form a key part of a broader strategy to enhance the well-being of women and girls facing challenging circumstances. Dignity kits are especially crucial for women and girls who are confronting emergencies or living in vulnerable conditions. They typically contain personal hygiene items, sanitary supplies, and other essentials that help individuals maintain their dignity during a crisis. The distribution of these kits is a critical component of UNFPA’s humanitarian response, providing immediate relief and support to those most in need.By focusing on the unique needs of women and girls, the dignity kits empower them to maintain their health and well-being, even in adverse conditions. This empowerment is crucial for building resilience within communities. Additionally, the consistent and thoughtful distribution of these kits has fostered trust between communities and the organisations involved, which is essential for future initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.UNFPA’s Dignity Kits initiative underscores the importance of collaboration in humanitarian work. By working closely with government bodies, NGOs, and community groups, UNFPA has delivered essential supplies to those who need them most. As the programme continues, it remains a beacon of hope and support for individuals facing challenging circumstances, ensuring that dignity and care are prioritised even in the toughest of times.

Community leaders and key stakeholders in Tobago came together from August 12th to 15th, 2024, for an intensive four-day workshop to share information on youth, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), disabilities and shelter management. Facilitated by UNFPA in collaboration with the Tobago House of Assembly Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, this training equipped participants with the tools and skills needed to drive positive change and address these crucial issues in their communities.The event brought together approximately 81 professionals from various sectors and featured intensive training sessions led by experts from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): Alexander Gittens, GBV Project Officer, and Titian-Rose Whittle, GBV Specialist. Participants were guided through the various components of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Toolkit, emphasising the importance of comprehensive education in promoting sexual and reproductive health. Additionally, a session was also done to sensitise stakeholders on the Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and disability inclusion in their work.  Another session was also facilitated on the Dignity Kit Guidance Note for focal points who disseminate dignity kits in emergency settings.Dignity Kits come in various forms and sizes, but their function remains the same: to aid in upholding the dignity of women and girls. Dignity Kits are given out in shelters based on the level of need within the community. The Guidance Note helps to train a shelter manager on how to distribute this important resource in a variety of circumstances. Participants included representatives from the Child Protection Sector, the Gender Unit, Social Services, and the medical profession, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to the training.  Throughout the first three days, participants engaged in interactive sessions covering the CSE Toolkit in depth. The training highlighted strategies for integrating CSE into existing programs and services, with a focus on creating safe and supportive environments for youth and vulnerable populations.The final day of the workshop focused on GBV Mitigation and Shelter Management. Participants were trained on best practices for managing shelters and supporting survivors of GBV, ensuring that they have the resources and knowledge to provide effective care. The session also explored strategies for mitigating GBV within communities, with an emphasis on prevention and early intervention. The workshop fostered collaboration among key stakeholders from different sectors, laying the groundwork for future partnerships aimed at integrating CSE into their work and a stronger commitment to prevent and respond to GBV through coordinated efforts. 

On August 5, 2024, as part of an official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, visited UN House in Port of Spain.   During discussion with members of the UN Country Team representing various UN agencies, funds and programmes comprising the UN Multi Country Office in Trinidad and Tobago, Ambassador Francis had a chance to hear about results of cooperation in Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Additionally, the team discussed regional and national priorities and the UN’s initiatives to build on the Fourth UN Conference on Small Island Developing States which took place in Antigua and Aruba in May 2024.  Ambassador Francis highlighted key priorities of his Presidency and challenges on the agenda of the upcoming General Assembly and its Summit of the Future in September 2024 in New York.    Ambassador Francis highlighted the importance of data as a key instrument of decision-making and called for creating a “data culture”, underlining the UN’s important role in this area.  He spoke about how voices of the youth can be leveraged in the context of climate change, the continuing fight against Non-Communicable Diseases as well as HIV/AIDS.  He also spoke about the importance of harnessing AI and the leading role that governments must play in guiding the use of new technologies in the interest of human development. Ambassador Francis spoke of the General’s Assembly’s priorities over the last session and his own initiatives, including the first ever Sustainability Week in April 2024 which focused on issues that are confronting the international community, including some that are critical to the Caribbean such as tourism, energy transition and debt.   “Sustainability Week resonated well with Member States,” said the President.  “It was a stepping stone to the Summit of the Future in September 2024, which will hopefully be the big harvest for the General Assembly, refocusing and recharging the thrust of the SDGs and mobilising Heads of State and Government to commit to accelerate progress towards the Goals”. The UN representatives taking part in the meeting which was co-organized jointly by Director of the ECLAC Sub-Regional Headquarters for the Caribbean ,Diane Quarless, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Joanna Kazana (joining online), presented the UN’s priorities of the UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Caribbean region, including strengthening the use of data and collaboration with key stakeholders such as CARICOM, the World Bank and other international organisations; work on the UN system offer on access to development finance; and the need to formulate a Caribbean UN system strategy on prevention of violence.  Agency representatives highlighted results in expanding digital connectivity and transformation and opportunities for further economic integration of the region, as well as joint efforts in transforming the food systems in response to climate change and global economic shocks as well as addressing refugee and migration issues.  The UN Resident Coordinator ad interim, Diane Quarless, presented to Ambassador Francis a copy of the United Nations 2023 Annual Results Report covering the work of the United Nations system in Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Speaking to United Nations staff gathered at the meeting, Ambassador Francis shared his appreciation of the work of the UN on the ground.  “Coming from New York, which is the seat of the UN organisation, wherever I travel I always value the dialogue with UN country teams.  It’s here, in the field, where the UN really is” said Ambassador Francis.  “The UN is close to the people, focusing on the impact, and close to those who are the eventual beneficiaries of [the UN’s] programmes and projects,” he said.  The President of the General Assembly was hosted by the Government of the Trinidad and Tobago on a three-day official visit that began on Sunday, August 4.  He had meetings with the Acting President of Trinidad and Tobago, the Prime Minister and other Government officials.  He also met with representatives of civil society, the media and engaged with university students.

The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, the UN Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - supports countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The position of Development Coordination Officer- Economist is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Trinidad and Tobago also covering Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten and works closely with the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team. The position reports to the Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO and Strategic Planner. As part of a dynamic team in the RCO, this position calls for professionals who are pro-active, driven by results and intellectually curious to strengthen economic resilience and promote sustainable development in middle and high-income small island developing States.ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Development Coordination Officer /Economist will be responsible for the following duties: Summary of Functions 1. Plans, facilitates and consolidates evidence-based analysis of the status of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), providing substantive advice to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), particularly on elements pertaining to SDG Acceleration, economic transformation agenda (including green and just transition, digital transformation and the future of work) and SDG financing. 2. Advocates and supports RC’s and UNCT’s advocacy efforts for the creation of strong partnerships within the UN System, with national counterparts in government and other relevant partners, including International Financial Institutions (IFIs), to support the reframing of economic policies and practices for SDG acceleration, economic transformation and leveraging SDG financing. 3. Coordinates the development by the UNCT of a new generation of an integrated SDG programming cycle (including development of roadmaps, Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UN Joint Programmes, as well as Annual Reports and others) that promoted SDG acceleration, advances the economic transformation agenda and outlines a clear approach to SDG financing in programming countries. 4. Plans and directs knowledge generation and management around the SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing agendas, in support of a shared understanding by the UNCT of sustainable development trends, challenges and opportunities in programme countries. Description of Functions: Plans, facilitates, and consolidates evidence-based analysis of the status of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing substantive advice to the RC and UNCT, particularly on elements pertaining to SDG acceleration, the economic transformation agenda (including green and just transition, digital transformation and the future of work) and leveraging SDG financing.Researches, analyzes, consolidates, and presents information and data on emerging best practices in SDG acceleration, economic transformation for sustainable development, including green and just transition, digital transformation and the future of work, among others; paying special attention to gender and leave no one behind (LNOB) principles.Guides substantive support to the RC/UNCT on SDG-related issues, particularly on policies to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs, through incorporating a systems approach, and evaluates and highlights potential synergies and trade-offs between SDGs;Provides advice on global/corporate guidelines, tools and other materials related to SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing.Works with UNCT counterparts to create common, convergent and coherent key advocacy topics related to SDG acceleration, sustainable economic transformation and SDG financing, helping identify and analyze entry points for catalytic and consolidated UN policy support options, to enable the transition to more efficient, low-carbon and resilient production and consumption patterns, maximizing social, environmental and economic outcomes that impact the implementation of multiple SDGs and their targets, with proposed ‘accelerator interventions' that can help unlock and accelerate progress towards sustainable development;Collects and analyzes data on UN country level operations in support of SDG acceleration and the implementation of the economic transformation agenda and SDG financing, identifies gaps and proposes follow-up actions;Working in close collaboration with the UNCT, researches, develops and presents policy papers, guidance notes and other knowledge based-tools, and supports discussion in country-level forums to help influence and advance policy dialogue and advocate to reframe economic policies and practices around economic transformation to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs;Coordinates the preparation of UN flagship reports on SDG acceleration, economic transformation and leveraging SDG financing, including the analysis of data and the provision of evidence to build the case for policies and interventions to advance multiple SDGs at a time;Monitors regional and global economic trends and issues, analyzes their implications for SDG acceleration at the country level and recommends additional issues for consideration.Conducts and consolidates analytical work to strengthen the understanding of the catalytic role of innovative SDG Financing in the context of SDG accleration and the green economic transformation; identifying opportunities to align key SDG Financing stakeholders in the context of economic transformation and green growth.Analyzes trends and provides advice and support on new and innovative mechanisms to leverage SDG financing, including on global initiatives by the UN and other development institutions(e.g. IFIs).Provides inputs for briefing papers and discussion/talking points on issues related to SDG financing for consideration by the RC/ the UNCT.Supports UNCT initiatives to advance SDG financing, including in the context of an Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFF).Provides economic analysis and advice as inputs into the cross-pillar (humanitarian-development-peace) nexus approaches in country. Supports RC’s and UNCT’s, advocacy efforts for the creation of strong partnerships with the UN system, with national counterparts in government and other relevant partners, including International Financial Institutions (IFIs), to support the reframing of economic policies and practices around SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing.Fosters peer-exchanges and opens a consistent channel of communication and strong partnerships with economists within the UN System at country level to create and consolidate common, convergent and coherent advocacy opportunities on topics related to SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing. eTMH3hZ Dep8sRWorking in close collaboration with the RCO Partnerships Officer, ensures effective engagement of all relevant counterparts to develop collaboration and partnerships around SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing, for example with national planning or economic offices, IFIs, the private sector, etc.Stays abreast and follows latest developments in analytical work, policy, financial and capacity development support provided by other relevant development partners (including IFIs, bilateral and multilateral partners, academia, the private sector, and others) on topics related to SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing and identifies opportunities for collaboration.Engages with the private sector to strengthen understanding of its potential contribution to SDG acceleration, the green economic transformation agenda, and to identify private and/or public-private catalytic SDG financing opportunities for the achievement of the SDGs. Coordinates the development by the UNCT of a new generation of an integrated SDG programming cycle (including the development of roadmaps, CCA, UNSDCF, UN joint programmes as well as Annual Reports and others) that advances the economic transformation agenda and outlines a clear approach to SDG financing in programme countries.Supports the RC/UNCT in ensuring a strong SDG acceleration and SDG financing analysis through an integrated lens in the preparation of the Common Country Analyses and other analytical exercises;Identifies issues and proposes recommendations for the UNCT on how UN country-level programming around SDG acceleration, economic transformation and integrated policy responses can be optimized and better respond to sustainable development needs and emerging trends in country;Guides the development and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, ensuring a strong and integrated UNCT engagement on SDG accleration, the economic transformation and SDG financing agendas in the country;Contributes to the UN joint programming to strengthen the formulation of a new generation of UN joint programmes to promote SDG acceleration (including those that are supported by the Joint SDG Fund) ensuring that they are oriented towards investment, and have impact at the national level;Assists UNCT Results Groups in the implementation of joint workplans to ensure SDG-relevant and SDG-responsive UN operational activities for development;Proposes recommendations to enhance UN support to governmental and multi-stakeholder processes on policy development and capacity development for SDG acceleration. Plans and directs knowledge management around SDG acceleration, the economic transformation and SDG financing agendas, in support of a shared understanding by the UNCT of sustainable development trends, challenges and opportunities in programme countries.Promotes collaboration, peer support, innovation, good practices, lessons learned, needs, and opportunities through active facilitation and/or participation to local, regional and global communities of practice and knowledge networks within the Resident Coordinator System, across the UN (including the UN Economist Network) and beyond.Researches, analyzes and presents best practices and lessons learned from implementation of UN policy initiatives and programming for SDG acceleration and economic transformation, with a view to advising the RC and UNCT on actions to strengthen the policy orientation of the UN;Monitors and analyzes good practices and successful models to leverage SDG financing implemented by the UN in country and elsewhere, and suggests options for developing these into bankable national SDG investment policies and programmes;Keeps abreast of emerging innovative approaches in the areas of SDG acceleration, economic transformation and SDG financing, and proposes new ways of working, where relevant;Reflects on processes of his/ her work area at key milestones and generates knowledge valuable to others in the RC system/ UN Country Teams. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic resources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics, development studies, public policy or public finance. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development policy, economic research and analysis in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Knowledge of economics is essential; familiarity with development economics and relevant development experience at the national or international level is desired. Ability to apply development economics theory and specific global agendas/processes to the specific country context and carry out high-quality economic development research is desired. Knowledge of the SDGs and the UN Normative agenda and their application at the national level is desired. Demonstrated understanding of issues related to SDG financing is desired. Proven experience coordinating multi-stakeholder spaces and participatory assessment processes; ability to collaborate with others, to give his/her own perspective, and to be open to diverse perspectives is desired. Outstanding analytical and writing skills with an ability to convey complex ideas in a simple, clear, and lively style is desired. Experience using computers and office software packages, including programmes for statistical analysis of data is desired.Languages: Fluency in English is required; Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Note: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of' equals a rating of "confident in two of the four areas.Assessment: Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.Appointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension subject to legislative body funding availability. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Individual contractors and consultants (Non-Staff Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 May 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. 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