Regional Advisor – Social Affairs Officer, P4

Regional Advisor – Social Affairs Officer, P4

UN ESCWA – United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

Beirut, Lebanon

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 21 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 under Cluster 2: ‘Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development’ of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Regional Advisor – Social Affairs Officer will report directly to the Cluster Leader or her/his designated Officer.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Regional Advisor – Social Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Social Analysis

• Proposes, designs and carries out substantive research projects analyzing key trends and changes in socio-economic structures and related issues (e.g., social policy, socioeconomic inequality, youth, gender issues, etc.) at the regional and national levels; assesses implications and develops proposals with respect to social development and social welfare policies and interventions;
• Develops new lines of theoretical analysis and research methodologies for the diagnosis of major transformations in socio-economic structures;
• 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, exchanges views on latest findings, policy guidelines, new models of development, etc.; helps ensure that lessons learned are disseminated and incorporated into development programmes and other initiatives, including gender and youth-related activities;
• Plans, organizes and provides substantial servicing of ad hoc expert group meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, etc. to include identification and selection of participants, development of background documentation, preparation of reports, documents, policy recommendations and analytical briefs based on the outcome of such meetings;
• Prepares a variety of studies, reports, background papers, parliamentary documentation, etc. on a wide range of social development, including social policies, socioeconomic inequality, youth and gender issues.

Intergovernmental Support

• Provides substantive support on social issues to intergovernmental bodies (such as the ESCWA Social Development Committee and Committee on Women);
• Represents ESCWA at international, regional and national meetings;
• Organizes panels, round tables, etc. on social development issues for intergovernmental processes.

Technical Cooperation

• Provides technical assistance to governments and other bodies in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs related to socio-economic development;
• Designs, monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects;
• Undertakes missions to member states, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of the Organization’s technical cooperation activities and/or in support of the work programme;
• Prepares global, regional, national or sectoral analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on social development issues;
• Conducts training seminars and workshops for government officials and others. 6. Formulates technical modalities for the evaluation of individual technical cooperation projects.

General

• Foster new partnerships with think tanks, the private sector and non-governmental organizations and participate in resource mobilization activities;
• May participate in planning and preparation of the Division’s budget and work program and in the administration of the day-to-day operations of the Division;
• Provides leadership and work direction to assigned work team, and/or mentors and supervises the work of new/junior officers;
• Prepares statements on social and economic issues for the Director and other senior officers as required;
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting;
• Performs other duties as required.

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 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. Very good knowledge of region or country of assignment, including the political, economic and social dimensions. Ability to relate socio-economic issues, trends and perspectives, including gender issues, to social development initiatives/programmes in affected country/region. 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. Excellent research skills and demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions/recommendations. 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;
• 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
• 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.

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 two additional years of qualifying 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. Two years of experience in social policies and socioeconomic inequality in the Arab region is required. Two years of experience in intergovernmental processes is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. In addition, Arabic is a working language at 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.

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