Department/ Office:Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Location: NEW YORK
Deadline: 26 August 2013
Job Opening number: 13-SOC-DESA-27977-R-NEW YORK(G)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting:
This position is located in the Non-Governmental Organization and Outreach Unit, Division for Social Policy and Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Division.
Responsibilities:
The Social Affairs Officer assists the Director and Chiefs of Branches in matters relating to partnership with civil society organizations working in areas covered by the mandates of the Division; Leads, manages and supervises the Civil Society and Outreach Unit in connection with activities relating to promoting and developing liaison with civil society organizations.
Social analysis and outreach
Liaises, partners with and reaches out to experts, civil society and other relevant stakeholders in the field of social development to discuss issues related to social development and helps to ensure that lessons learned are disseminated and incorporated into development programmes and other initiatives, including gender-related activities by:
- providing relevant information on areas covered by the we work of the Division through regular briefings, workshops and consultations;
- planning, developing and implementing communication campaigns/strategies related to the mandates of the Division;
- developing strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of promotional objectives;
- preparing and/or oversee preparation of information communication products in support of campaign initiative of the Division;
- conducting analytical studies regarding ways and means of improving working relations between the Division and civil-society actors and other relevant stakeholders;
- collaborating with and coordinates the outreach work of the Division with the Department of Public Information;
- developing an interface aimed at providing substantive and technical support to NGO platforms and networks;
- preparing statements, talking points and background note on social issues for senior managers as needed;
- managing the website of the Division;
- supporting the organization of online discussions; maintains contacts with and ensures dissemination of information to the media, organizes press releases, press briefing and other media activities.
Intergovernmental support
Coordinates, facilitates and stimulates participation of NGOs and other civil society organisations in the work of intergovernmental bodies and other bodies served by the Division, such as the Commission for Social Development, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Open Ended Working Group on Ageing, etc) by:
- interpreting ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31 and its relevant provisions regarding the substantive involvement of NGOs in the work of the Division and the intergovernmental bodies it serves (such as the Commission, the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- reviewing written statements submitted by NGOs for publication as official documents of the Commission and coordinating the presentation of their oral statements
- supervising the process of accreditation of NGOs to the sessions of intergovernmental bodies serviced by the Division
- overseeing the process and procedures leading to the involvement of NGOs in the work of intergovernmental bodies serviced by the Division (pre-registration, registration, records of attendance, facilitating access of NGOs to conference rooms)
- Oversee the organization of side-events for intergovernmental bodies serviced by the Division and provide logistical support as needed.
Assists the Director and Chiefs of Branches of the Division in matters related to partnerships with civil society actors and other relevant stakeholders interested in the work of the Division.
Assists the Director by managing the work of the Unit and supervise the staff of the Unit.
Represent the Division at meetings, events and UN system-wide platforms dealing with civil society and other relevant stakeholders and engages in resource mobilisation for outreach related activities as appropriate.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM - Knowledge of social development and related fields.
Ability to apply principles and concepts of socio-economic development in relation to government, the private sector, civil society and international organizations.
Ability to apply modern techniques of analyzing social phenomena. Ability to conduct conceptual and strategic analyses.
Ability to analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources.
Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships.
Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to analyze and articulate the social dimension of complex issues.
Problem-solving skills.
Ability to use sound judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement.
Ability to work under pressure. Very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to social affairs. Sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN system and intergovernmental processes related to social development.
Excellent research and writing skills and demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions/recommendations.
Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
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.
Client Orientation - Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view.
Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions.
Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems.
Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sociology, economics, other social science or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Academic courses and/or additional training in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field highly desirable.
Work Experience:
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in socio economic development, policy analysis, sociological research or related area.
- Experience with intergovernmental processes required. Experience working with NGOs and civil societies required.
- Experience with public information, outreach, journalism or related area highly desirable. Experience in social media highly desirable.
- Diverse communication and outreach experience related to social development within and outside the UN highly desirable.
- Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognised by the United Nations.
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language highly desirable.
Assessment Method:
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
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.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
How to apply: Visit; https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=27977&
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