Job Vacancies Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), October 2010

Job Vacancies Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)
Job Title SOCIAL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P4
Department/ Office DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
Duty Station NEW YORK
Closing Date: Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Job Opening number 10-SOC-DEPT OF ECON & SOCIAL AFFAIRS-16743-R-NEW YORK
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting
The post is located in the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Division for Social Policy and Development in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Secretariat.

Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Chief of the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for:
1. Promoting and facilitating the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other international instruments relating to disability and improving the knowledge base on the rights of persons with disabilities and; Promoting and facilitating the outreach and dialogue for the implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities in economic and social development within inter-governmental/non-governmental communities as well as in collaboration with academic institutions;
2. Conducting research projects and establishing partnerships with experts and stakeholders, especially research institutes and academia; overseeing the development of and/or conceptualizing, formulating and managing major studies; analyzing key trends and changes in socio-economic structures and related issues (e.g. occupational, cultural, educational, demographic patterns, gender issues, etc.) at global, regional or national levels.
3. 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 the rights of persons with disabilities in economic and social development, exchange views on latest findings, policy guidelines, new models of development.
4. Serving as a focal point for collaboration on major issues/topics concerning disability; providing authoritative technical and policy advice and assistance to inter-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.
5. Writing and preparing studies on disability, law and social and socio-economic issues for publication within the UN system and in academic journals and other publications.
6. Promoting the organization at national and international fora and presenting institutional views/policies; coordinating and chairing and/or contributing substantively to sectoral seminars, general training programmes, workshops and expert group meetings.

Competencies
Professionalism:
Knowledge of theories and concepts related to social development and social policy; strong analytical capacity and ability to identify, analyze and articulate multi-dimensional social development issues; knowledge of international norms and standards relating to disability, especially to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is required. Sound judgement; strong research and drafting skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources using standard methodologies and analytical techniques. Ability to draw conclusions and assess impact on social development and policy issues. Knowledge of relevant institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to social development as well as knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Ability to take responsibility for incorporating a gender perspective 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

Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social science or related humanities field or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Relevant combination of academic qualifications and extensive analytical and/or implementation experience in socio-economic development is required.

Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the social development field is required. Substantive experience in disability related programmes, preferably at the international level, is required. Experience in intergovernmental work, particularly providing substantive support to the intergovernmental process would be desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of other official languages of the United Nations would be an asset.

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.

Assessment Method
Interview and essay

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




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