Director, Social Affairs

Contract

This is a D-2 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 16 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 278,278 USD and 335,397 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

The United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) is an autonomous, multi-disciplinary research organization that has the mandate within the UN to focus on social development research and policy. It is funded entirely by voluntary contributions. Located in Geneva, the Institute has a core staff of around 20 people. Working through its global network of partners, and leveraging UN System capacities and partnerships, UNRISD generates evidence, frames debate and helps to shape social development policies and practices at global, national and local levels, grounded in the United Nations values of equity, justice and rights for all.

The Director reports to the Board of UNRISD, which meets at least once a year and provides oversight and guidance on the agenda of the Institute and its finances. On behalf of the Board, the Director makes a biennial report to the Commission for Social Development in New York. UNRISD is supported in its regular administrative functions by the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).

Responsibilities

The Director’s position offers an exciting opportunity to initiate global research programmes, influence international policy dialogue, and work with government, academia, think tanks and civil society organizations and the wider UN system to realise shared sustainable development goals. The ideal candidate will be committed to the values of UNRISD, have leadership experience at a national or international level in research or policy organizations, and be a successful fundraiser with proven capacity to secure an institution’s financial stability. S/he will have a proven record of research and analytic excellence, including cross-disciplinary research initiatives and collaboration, and motivating an international and culturally diverse team of researchers. The Director also must be committed to ensuring the quality and policy relevance of the Institute’s research outputs. The Director will have strong international networks in the development research and policy community and among donors, a strong record of fundraising at institutional and research programme levels and demonstrated capacity to build and strengthen partnerships among UN and international agencies and development research and civil society organizations. Familiarity with the UN system is a major advantage.

The Director will exercise intellectual leadership, positioning UNRISD strategically within a changing global development and funding environment, and further strengthen the reputation and visibility of UNRISD as a leading research organization on social development that delivers high-quality research evidence and results. The Director will work effectively with the UNRISD Board, relevant UN bodies and donors to ensure the highest standards of governance of the Institute. Within delegated authority, the Director will be responsible for the following:

Intellectual leadership • Articulate the major components of a cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary global research agenda on the social dimensions of sustainable development and on social policy, and lead the translation of the agenda into fundable, practical and appropriate research that is conducted and communicated in a creative and effective way. • Inspire vision and exercise analytic leadership to identify key issues for UNRISD research with due attention to the complex and fast evolving global and local contexts and priorities for policy research and action in developing and developed countries. • Manage, guide, develop and train staff; foster teamwork and communication among staff in UNRISD and across organizational boundaries. Motivate an international and culturally diverse and gender balanced team of researchers to produce high quality research and ensure that the activities of the Institute deliver impact, maintaining relevance and influence in a changing global context. • Support the Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) in her leadership of the UNSDG on Sustainable Development.

Resource mobilization • Lead the preparation and implementation of a strategy for resource mobilization and enhanced reputation and visibility for the Institute, and work with existing and potential donors to secure a sustainable funding model and consolidate funding relationships with new donors. • Develop programme and project proposals and actively undertake fundraising efforts to support the Institute’s staff and activities.

Representation and partnerships • Chair meetings, seminars, etc., on substantive issues in the field; represent the Organization at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences; demonstrate programmatic/substantive expertise on relevant issues and hold programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. • Establish and strengthen UNRISD’s role and partnerships within the UN system in supporting and delivering on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals and major global Summits, including as a hub for innovative and alternative thinking and policy research. • Establish and maintain effective relationships with Member States, donor governments and foundations, international organizations and non-governmental organizations, representing the interests of UNRISD within the UN and global governance system. • Represent UNRISD in global and national fora, presenting research and engaging in policy dialogue within the UN system and intergovernmental bodies, national policy processes and high-level academic events. • Develop partnerships and networks with academic and policy research centres or think tanks worldwide, including North-South and South-South collaborations, to undertake cutting-edge knowledge generation, support the capacity strengthening of institutions and researchers in the South, and maximize potential for impact. • Communicate effectively and carry out extensive advocacy initiatives to promote the work of the Institute, to bridge research and policy and to deliver impact. Management • Direct, appoint and supervise the staff of the Institute, and undertake performance evaluations. • Lead strategic planning and budget processes, to ensure that institutional objectives and work plans are aligned, measurable results are defined, financial resources are used effectively to deliver results, and value for money is achieved. • Provide leadership to the development and implementation of innovative and/or change management programmes. • Formulate and implement the Institute’s substantive work programme, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. • Ensure that outputs maintain high quality standards; are clear, objective and based on evidence and analysis. • Support innovative approaches to the dissemination of research findings and to the effective communication of research and results. • Oversee and coordinate the activities of the Institute, be accountable for all expenditures authorized in the budget, and ensure timely reporting to the Board and donors within a results-based framework.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the field of social development research. Ability to engage donor institutions, government agencies and other funding bodies to mobilize institutional funds and research income. Ability to lead, manage and supervise multi-disciplinary and international research teams. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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.

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.

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 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.

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 others 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) in social sciences, public policy, international development or other fields relevant to the work of UNRISD is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

A PhD or equivalent attainment is desirable.

Work Experience

Over fifteen years of progressively responsible professional and management experience at the national or international level in development research, policy analysis or research organizations is required.

Strong professional and publications record, with an international reputation for research is required.

Proven experience in mobilizing resources for research and for programme or institutional development is required.

Engagement in and familiarity with academic, policy and development institutions and professional networks; experience within the United Nations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required, knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

The appointment against this position is limited to UNRISD.

The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.

UNRISD is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds. Candidates from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.

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.

An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. All staff at the D1 Level and above are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon appointment and annually thereafter.

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.

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.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.