Senior Social Affairs Officer (Gender 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 153,110 USD and 191,882 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 Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 20 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

This position is located in the Cluster on Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development in the United Nations Economic and Social Commission. The Senior Social Affairs Officer reports to the Cluster Leader.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Senior Social Affairs Officer (Gender Affairs) will be responsible for the following duties:

Gender Equality analysis - Serves as focal point for collaboration on gender equality; provides 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 strategies, policies and programmes which impact socio-economic development at global, regional or national levels. - Monitors the performance of institutional mandates/actions plans; influences the development and evolution of the UN approach to social development issues; 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. women, peace and security; gender justice, women political and economic participation…, etc.) at global, regional or national levels; assesses implications and develops proposals with respect to gender equality 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 gender equality in the Arab region, exchange views on latest findings, policy guidelines, new models of development, etc. - Plans and directs other relevant parties, targeted campaigns to facilitate knowledge sharing and appropriate dissemination of information, etc. and ultimately ensures that the latest thinking is incorporated into ESCWA gender equality projects 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. ESCWA Committee on Women etc.); facilitates the negotiation process and promotes constructive dialogue and collaboration; coordinates and facilitates the establishment of and liaison with various groups in Member States and 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 and economic issues.

Technical Cooperation - Liaise with the Regional Advisor on Gender Equality to ensure that ESCWA knowledge products are translated into technical assistance packages to member States - 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. - Negotiates with donor and recipient governments on technical assistance programmes and projects. - Organises and coordinates cooperation among Member States on gender equality. - Designs, monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects. - Leads and/or participates in technical cooperation missions.

Programme Support - Contributes to the personnel and financial management of the work on gender equality, to include the development and implementation of work plans and budgets. - Carries out and supervises key programme activities, including key missions and other initiatives; leads and directs a team of staff; may 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: 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 with a particular focus on gender equality in the Arab region. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• 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.

  Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), in sociology, economics, other social science or related field is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying 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.

Previous experience in the Arab region is required.

Previous experience with international technical cooperation projects is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Note: "Fluency" equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

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

Special Notice - This position is temporarily available for 364 days, subject to extension based on the availability of funds/post. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• 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.

• 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.

• Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

• Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

• 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.

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

• For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 January 2022, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, China, Comoros, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Vietnam.

  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.