Job Opening number
14-SOC-ECA-32252-R-ADDIS ABABA(G)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Economic Commission for Africa, Social Development Division, Population and Youth Section. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of the Section.

Responsibilities

The Social Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Participates in the analysis of social development issues in selected areas at the global, regional and national levels; undertakes empirical research and analysis of trends and developments and related policy issues relevant to the unit/departmental mandate, including population and development, youth development, international migration and ageing.
2. Develops indicators and methodologies for review and evaluation of specific topics including youth development, international migration and ageing.
3. Assists in the planning, organizing and servicing of technical and ad hoc expert group meetings; drafting reports and preparing summaries of meetings.
4. Represents the work unit at international and other meetings; organizes and participates in working groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on population and social development.
5. Prepares or contributes to the preparation of various documents, including analytical reports, technical studies, background papers and parliamentary documents on population trends and policies, with particular emphasis on Africa.
6. Provides support to intergovernmental processes dealing with population and social development issues by preparing inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies; following intergovernmental meetings and preparing summary reports and assisting in the organization of panels, round tables, etc. for intergovernmental processes.
7. Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services.

Competencies

Professionalism – Knowledge and practical application of theories and concepts related to social development, social policy and demographic trends, including ability to use approaches and techniques to address difficult problems; strong analytical capacity and the ability to identify, analyze and articulate difficult issues/problems; strong research skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources using standard methodologies and analytical techniques; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments.

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 decision.

Planning and 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; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sociology, demography, or other relevant social science area. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two 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 socio-economic development, policy analysis and research, including demographic analysis, youth development, international migration and ageing. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first-level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

The candidates will undergo a written assessment and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

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.

United Nations Considerations

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.