Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Publications, Outreach and Support Unit of the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Senior Population Affairs Officer reports to the Director.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the duties of the Senior Population Affairs Officer encompass the following:
- Advises the Director on policies and strategies pertaining to the Division’s publications programme, communications and outreach, and support to intergovernmental processes;
- Coordinates and manages the Division’s publications programme;
- Develops and implements outreach and communications strategies for publications and events, including oversight of the Division’s website;
- Leads, supervises and carries out work related to the support of intergovernmental bodies, such as the Commission on Population and Development, the Economic and Social Council, and the General Assembly, on population-related topics including migration;
- Leads, supervises and carries out the work required to produce technical studies on population levels and trends or population policies in relation to social and economic factors. Such studies can focus on specific population issues, such as fertility; family planning; internal or international migration; urbanization; mortality; population structure and composition; population ageing; population policies; and population, environment and development;
- Carries out the administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Unit, including preparation of budgets, reporting on programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of input for results-based budgeting;
- Provides guidance and training for staff under his/her supervision. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Unit. Ensures that staff follow appropriate standards in the preparation of outputs and the provision of services;
- Leads and supervises the organization of expert group meetings, panels, seminars, etc. on population-related issues. Is responsible for the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars;
- Participates in international, regional or national meetings to present the results of research, provides substantive expertise on an issue, or holds substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions;
- Represents the Population Division at international, regional or national meetings;
- Prepares research proposals for external funding on population issues;
- Prepares briefing notes on population and development issues for the Director and other senior staff in the United Nations. Prepares press releases and provides information to the press and media.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Expert knowledge in the area of specialization of the post. Proven in-depth knowledge of methods of demographic analysis and theories pertaining to demographic change and demographic trends. Proven ability to produce reports and technical papers on population 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: 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;
- 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;
- Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in demography or in a related field such as sociology, statistics or economics with an emphasis in population studies is required. A first-level university degree or a degree in another field, in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree or a degree in one of the fields mentioned above.
Work Experience
- A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in population analysis and research or related area is required;
- Experience in servicing intergovernmental processes, including supporting negotiations is required;
- Experience in developing and implementing outreach and communication strategies is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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