В Организацию Объединённых Наций (в Эфиопию) ищут Chief of Social Policy Section.
Responsibilities:
Within delegated authority and under the overall direction of the Director of GPSPD, the Chief of SPS will carry out the following functions:
Social and economic analysis:
- Leads the delivery of authoritative technical and policy advice and assistance to inter-governmental and non-governmental bodies, Member State officials, international and other organizations on planning, evaluating and implementing social policy strategies, policies and programmes which impact socio-economic development at global, regional or national levels
- Manages the performance of institutional mandates/actions plans; influences the development and evolution of the UN approach to social development issues; leads substantive contributions to the design and implementation of significant policy and programme changes to address country, regional, global social-economic concerns, including gender considerations
- Leads the development of policy research agendas on social policy; oversees the development of and/or conceptualizes formulates and manages major projects/studies; analyzing key trends and changes in socio-economic structures and related issues (e.g. demographic patternspoverty, inequality, health, youth, migration, etc.) at regional or national levels; assesses implications and develops proposals with respect to social sector development plans, programmes and projects
- Takes the lead in establishing partnerships with other experts and stakeholders (e.g. governments, research institutes, academia, UN system and other international organizations, NGOs, the private sector, etc.) to discuss emerging topics related to social development, exchange views on latest findings, policy guidelines, new models of development, etc.
- Plans and directs, in consultation with relevant parties, targeted campaigns to facilitate social policy knowledge sharing and appropriate dissemination of information, etc. and ultimately ensures that the latest thinking is incorporated into development programmes and other initiatives
- Writes and/or supervises preparation of a variety of studies, reports, etc. on social and socio-economic issues for publication within the UN system and in other publications
- Represents the organization at national and international fora and presents institutional views/policies; coordinates and chairs and/or contributes substantively to sectoral seminars, general training programmes, workshops and expert group meetings
Intergovernmental Support:
- Coordinates provision of substantive services to regional and global inter-governmental bodies (e.g. Committee on Gender, Poverty and Social Policy; the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development, etc); facilitates the negotiation process and promotes constructive dialogue and collaboration; coordinates and facilitates the establishment of and liaison with various groups in civil society; oversees the preparation of analytical reports and other documentation for such bodies
- Manages the work unit’s contribution to the preparation and management of meetings of intergovernmental bodies
- Represents the organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings on social policy issues
Technical Cooperation:
- Develops and maintains relations with senior officials of member governments and ensures a response to requests for advice and/or assistance on social policy issues and strategies
- Leads engagement with donor and recipient governments on technical assistance programmes and projects
- Organises and coordinates cooperation among Member States on social policy programmes or issues
- Designs, monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects
- Leads or participates in technical cooperation missions
Programme Support:
- Functions as the head of section
- Manages the personnel and financial management of the work unit, to include the development and implementation of work plans and budgets; and performance management
- Supervises key programme activities, including key missions and other initiatives; leads and directs a team of staff; oversee activities for a discrete work section or equivalent; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment, selection and training of new staff and in the development of training programs
- Performs other duties as required
Competencies:
- Professionalism: Expert knowledge in the area of specialization of the post in the field of social policy development. Proven in-depth knowledge of methods of analysis and theories pertaining to social development policy and practice. Recognized expert in the field of social development with demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership. Ability to conduct complex social policy research projects and development and undertake conceptual and strategic analysis. Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major policy, project and other issues/problems. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. Ability to works under extreme pressure. 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
- Planning & organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
- Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing
- Managing & performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly
Education:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in sociology, economics, demography, other social science or related fields is required
- A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
Work Experience:
- A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in socio-economic development, policy analysis, sociological research or related area is required
- Economic policy analysis and research is desirable
- Field experience and Africa-specific knowledge is desirable
- Experience with international technical cooperation projects is desirable
- Prior supervision experience is desirable
Languages:
- English and French are the working language of the UN Secretariat
- For this position fluency in English or French is required; knowledge of the other is desirable
- Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.