Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG), Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The incumbent reports to the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.
Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the USG, the incumbent assists the USG in the overall direction and management of the Department by:
- directing and managing the activities of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General;
- monitoring all the Department’s activities;
- liaising with all organizational units within the Department to ensure smooth and efficient functioning;
- advancing on the planning, coordination and assessment of DESA’s work programme;
- advising on Departmental policy on programme and management issues including ongoing efficiency exercises; evaluation; capacity development;
- interacting with other Departments, Funds and Programme to increase coordination and consultation;
- advising on intergovernmental processes and interacting with Governments;
- liaising with task forces and groups established by the Under-Secretary-General.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Is familiar with major social and economic issues as they relate to the Department’s programme of work.; Demonstrates experience in dealing with management of programmes and resources in the United Nations context. - Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.; Remains calm in stressful situations.
- 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 the audience.; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- 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.; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning.; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.; Uses time efficiently.
- 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 improvement; does not accept 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.
- Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly.; Gathers relevant information before making a decision.; Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them.; Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on other and on the Organization.; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. ;Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision.; Makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in social or economic sciences, international relations, public administration or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, policy analysis, research and diplomacy in the development area is required. Experience in the intergovernmental processes of the United Nations relating to social and economic affairs and interagency or related field is required. Experience in managing teams is required. Experience in supporting senior officials in the United Nations or similar international settings is required. Experience in overseeing the preparation of analytical reports and papers on development issues is desirable.
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. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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