The position is located in the Programme Planning and Coordination Unit (PPCU) in the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Social Affairs Officer reports to the Director of the Division. The Division seeks to strengthen international cooperation for achieving social inclusion and the reduction of the gap of inequalities, by fostering effective policy impact and intensified global dialogue on social development issues.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, and under the overall guidance of the Director of the Division, the Social Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Social Analysis and Strategic Support
Develop and implement strategic approaches to advancing inclusive social development, especially in the areas of poverty, employment and decent jobs, participation and inclusion, reducing the gap of social inequalities, and social groups including older persons, persons with disabilities, youth and indigenous peoples, as well as issues including sport for development and peace, cooperatives and family, and other related issues, in support the Director of the Division.
Identifies complex emerging policy/technical issues for the attention of the Director of the Division and Chiefs of Branches and develops well-reasoned innovative approaches for addressing them.
Liaises and partners with other experts in the field (e.g. governments, research institutes, academia, other international organizations, etc.) to discuss issues related to social development. Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization.
Provides substantive inputs to and develops background documentation and analytical briefs based on the outcomes of meetings of ad hoc expert group meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, etc., and meetings of intergovernmental and advisory bodies (such as the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the High-Level Political Forum).
Reviews and advises on the preparation of a variety of studies, reports, background papers, parliamentary documentation, etc. on a wide range of social development and related issues, taking into account recommendations of specialized intergovernmental bodies, emerging issues and trends and current research in the field. Stakeholder Engagement.
Coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities; and helps disseminate best practices in inclusive social development, latest findings, policy guidelines, new models of development, etc.
Coordinates, facilitates and stimulates participation of NGOs and other civil society organizations in the work of the Division and of the intergovernmental bodies and other bodies that it serves.
General
Oversees and coordinates the activities of the Programme Planning and Coordination Unit (PPCU), including implementation and evaluation of the Division's programme plan performance, budget and funding related issues, as well as Divisions' human resources issues.
Undertakes planning and preparation of the unit work program and administers the day-today operations, including personnel responsibilities of the unit.
Provides leadership and work direction to staff in the Programme Planning and Coordination Unit and mentors and supervises the work of new/junior officers.
Leads review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities problems and issues to be addressed in programme implementation and proposes corrective actions for consideration by the Director of the Division and Chiefs of Branches; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
Represent the Division at inter and intra-departmental meetings on administrative and substantive matters as needed.
Performs other duties as required.
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 two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in socio economic development, policy analysis, sociological research or related area is required. Experience with servicing intergovernmental bodies is required. Experience with budget management, work programme formulation, monitoring and reporting is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
