Social Affairs Officer, Addis Ababa
Job Overview
- UNECA is hiring a Social Affairs Officer for it’s Addis Ababa, Ethiopia location.
Job Posting Title: Social Affairs Officer
Job Code Title: SOCIAL AFFAIRS OFFICER
Department/Office: ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA
Duty Station: ADDIS ABABA
Posting Period: 13 April 2016 – 12 May 2016
Job Opening Number: 59051
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notice
- UNECA is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- This post is funded from extra-budgetary resources; any extension of this appointment against this position is subject to continued availability of funding.
- 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.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the African Centre for Gender (ACG), Social Development Policy Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbent will report directly to the Coordinator, African Centre for Gender.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is mandated to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development. To find out more about UNECA please go to www.uneca.org.
Responsibilities
Under the overall direction of the Director, Social Development Policy Division, and the direct supervision of the Coordinator, African Centre for Gender, the incumbent will:
- Assist in the social and economic promotion of women by: reviewing socio-economic trends and developments on gender-related issues;
- Assist in the definition of relevant strategies to promote gender equality and their implementation;
- Assist in the implementation and monitoring of the of regional and global agreements on the advancement of women;
- Support the process of integrating a gender perspective in all work components of ECA;
- Assist with conducting gender based research;
- Assist with advocacy for policies and best practices that empower women and address gender equality issues;
- Provide technical assistance to member States to mainstream gender in national policy and programme initiatives;
- Ensure liaison and partnerships with UN agencies that have complementary mandates for promotion of women’s rights, and with civil society organisations and women’s organizations;
- Assist in the planning, organizing and servicing of technical and ad hoc expert group meetings to provide a forum for governments to share experiences and arrive at decisions on the implementation and follow up to UN Global and regional conferences and programmes which pertain to gender and development;
- Assist in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars etc. on gender development issues, compilation and analysis of data for preparation of technical cooperation project proposals;
- Participate in team projects; Prepare documents and other communications such as results of studies, reports, letters, proposals, Website texts;
- Perform other relevant duties, as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge and practical application of theories and concepts related to gender and development, including ability to use approaches and techniques to address difficult problems. Demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge and proven analytical skills in aspects of social and economic promotion of women in the African context. Strong analytical capacity and the ability to identify, analyze and articulate difficult issues/problems. Ability to use sound judgment. Strong research skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources using standard methodologies and analytical techniques, draw conclusions and assess impact on the gender and development policy issues. 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: Excellent oral communications skills; ability to conduct high-level discussions and negotiations in a productive manner with senior government officials, representatives of international organizations, civil society groups and experts in related fields; ability to coordinate the preparation of succinct, analytical reports. Proven abilities to prepare written materials in a clear, concise and compelling manner.
- Planning and Organizing: Ability to apply good judgment in the context of work assignments; proven ability to plan, organize and prioritize work; manage conflicting priorities and deliver outputs in a timely manner.
Education
Advanced degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in development studies, social science, political science, public administration, economics, law or sociology is required; advanced study or training in gender studies and economics is highly desirable.
Work Experience
At least 5 years of relevant progressive professional experience required in the application of principles and concepts of gender and development in relation to the advancement of women. Experience with modern techniques of analyzing gender and development gained through activities such as policy planning, research, academic teaching or related work in the context of Africa is required. Understanding of social theories and experience in applying social and economic principles to development and management issues as well as a theoretical background in gender analysis is required. Ability to use qualitative and quantitative methods of gender research and analysis, draw policy implications and propose options is also required. Proficiency in computer systems, including word processing, data base management and internet is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required and working knowledge of the other is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.