Chief of Section, Social Affairs

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 178,499 USD and 223,700 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA's five strategic directions which are advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take local solution to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.

The Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division (GPSPD) is headed by a Director who reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Division is responsible for contributing towards achieving inclusive and equitable sustainable human and social development in Africa and promoting and supporting member States in their work to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment. It is divided into three main sections: Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment; Social Policy; and Urbanization and Development.

The Division supports member States to design, implement and monitor policies and strategies to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment in Africa, and accelerate their implementation of global and regional gender-related commitments for the empowerment of women and girls. It also supports member States in the design and implementation of appropriate national and sub-regional policies, programmes and strategies to eradicate extreme poverty and reduce inequality in order to achieve inclusive and equitable human and social development. Key areas of emphasis include social protection, health, migration, demographic transition, youth, ageing and urbanization. The Division undertakes research and analysis to generate the evidence base for policy design; provides technical advisory support to member States in the design, implementation and monitoring of policies; and promotes policy dialogue, learning and exchange in these areas.

This position is located in the Social Policy Section, within the Gender, Poverty and Social Development Policy Division (GPSPD) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Responsibilities Under the overall direction of the Director of GPSPD, the incumbent will serve as the Chief of the Social Policy Section and carry out the following functions:

Social and economic analysis - Leads the delivery of authoritative technical and policy advice and assistance to inter-governmental and non-governmental bodies, Member State officials, international and other organizations on planning, evaluating and implementing social policy strategies, policies and programmes which impact socio-economic development at global, regional or national levels. - Manages the performance of institutional mandates/actions plans; influences the development and evolution of the UN approach to social development issues; leads 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 policy research agendas on social policy; 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. demographic patternspoverty, inequality, health, youth, migration, etc.) at regional or national levels; assesses implications and develops proposals with respect to social sector development plans, programmes and projects. - 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, targeted campaigns to facilitate social policy knowledge sharing and appropriate dissemination of information, etc. and ultimately ensures that the latest thinking is incorporated 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 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 regional and global inter-governmental bodies (e.g. Committee on Gender, Poverty and Social Policy; 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. - Represents the organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings on social policy 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 policy issues and strategies. - Leads engagement with donor and recipient governments on technical assistance programmes and projects. - Organises and coordinates cooperation among Member States on social policy programmes or issues. - Designs, monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects. - Leads or participates in technical cooperation missions.

Programme Support - Functions as the head of section. - Manages the personnel and financial management of the work unit, to include the development and implementation of work plans and budgets; and performance management. - Supervises key programme activities, including key missions and other initiatives; leads and directs a team of staff; oversee activities for a discrete work section or equivalent; 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: Expert knowledge in the area of specialization of the post in the field of social policy development. Proven in-depth knowledge of methods of analysis and theories pertaining to social development policy and practice. Recognized expertise in the field of social development with demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership. Ability to conduct complex social policy research projects and development and undertake conceptual and strategic analysis. 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. 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.

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.

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.

Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in sociology, economics, demography, other social science or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant 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 is required.

Economic policy analysis and research is desirable.

Field experience and Africa-specific knowledge is desirable.

Experience with international technical cooperation projects is desirable.

Prior supervision experience is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English or French is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

This position is temporarily available until the regular filling of the post. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.