Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Programme on Disability Section (PDS) of the Social Inclusion and Participation Branch (SIPB) of the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Senior Social Affairs Officer will report to the Chief of the Social Inclusion and Participation Branch.
The Branch undertakes substantive functions on social development in relation to populations at greatest risk of being left behind (persons with disabilities, older persons and youth) as well as on the issue of families; and promotes the strengthening of, and policy support for, social development for the implementation of development agendas, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This includes organizing and contributing to publications and parliamentary documents; providing substantive support to intergovernmental bodies; and the organization of expert group meetings, seminars and workshops.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Senior Social Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
Social analysis:
- Serves as focal point for collaboration on major issues/topics related to disability; provides authoritative technical and policy advice and assistance to inter-governmental bodies, Member State officials, international and other organizations on planning, evaluating and implementing strategies, policies and programmes which impact socio-economic development at global, regional or national levels, especially regarding disability, particularly in connection with the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action.
- Recommends follow up actions and policies to implement global mandates/actions plans; influences the development and evolution of the UN approach to social development issues especially in the area of disability; makes 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 a research agenda; 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. occupational, cultural, educational, demographic patterns, gender issues, etc.) at global, regional or national levels; assesses implications and develops proposals for policies with respect to disability related issues.
- 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, knowledge sharing and appropriate dissemination of information, etc. and facilitates the incorporation of latest thinking 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 academic journals and 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 inter-governmental bodies (e.g. 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.
- Facilitates and coordinates activities for the Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP), including the preparation of documents and substantive support to the Chair and the Bureau in coordination with other relevant UN entities.
- Coordinates and liaises with global networks on disability, including NGOs, Civil Society Coordination Mechanism, United Nations system organizations, the academic community, the private sector, etc.; assists their participation and engagement in relevant fora.
- Facilitates interagency collaboration on issues related to persons with disabilities; identifies areas for cooperation and opportunities for aligned messaging, analytical studies and joint initiatives, including through the Inter-Agency Support Group for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Represents the Programme on Disability Section (PDS) at international, regional and national meetings on social and economic 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 issues and policies.
- Leads or participates in technical cooperation missions.
Programme Support:
- Functions as the head of Programme on Disability Section (PDS).
- Contributes to the personnel and financial management of the work unit, to include the development and implementation of work plans and budgets.
- Carries out and supervises key programme activities, including key missions and other initiatives; supervises PDS staff; 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: Ability to advise senior management and other senior officials of approaches and techniques to address highly complex/sensitive issues. Recognized expert in the field with demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership. Ability to conduct complex sociological research projects and development of alternative social models. Ability to undertake conceptual and strategic analyse. Ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to a broad spectrum of socio-economic issues. Ability to demonstrate original and creative thinking. 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. Excellent knowledge of relevant institutional mandates, policies and guidelines. Seasoned knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Building Trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidences in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to theirs; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree), in sociology, economics, other social science or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in socio economic development, policy analysis, sociological research or related area, of which a minimum of five years on disability issues, is required.
- Experience with the United Nations intergovernmental bodies (such as the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development and the Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) is required.
- Field experience in developing countries and country or region-specific knowledge is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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