Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Population Data Unit, Office of the Director, Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Population Affairs Officer reports to a more senior Population Affairs Officer.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the duties of the Population Affairs Officer encompass the following:
- Provides support to intergovernmental processes on population issues, including preparing reports or inputs for reports, following the meetings and preparing summary reports, and assisting in the organization of panels and round tables.
- Supports the implementation of the extra-budgetary project of the Division to address gaps in comparable, timely and transparent global information on family planning indicators and underlying population data to expand knowledge on family planning and support the use of family planning indicators in global and national monitoring frameworks.
- Develops and maintains databases on demographic indicators, population and development indicators, population policy information and indicators or information on other population-related issues.
- Drafts technical studies or research reports on population trends, population policies and their relations to social and economic factors in specific topical areas such as fertility; family planning; internal and international migration; urbanization; mortality; population structure and composition; population ageing; population, environment and development.
- Applies, adapts and, if necessary, develops methodologies for demographic analysis.
- Reviews, evaluates and applies the results of substantive studies in the area of population
- Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on population-related issues.
- Attends international, regional and national meetings on population issues to present results of demographic analysis and research; keeps abreast of developments in the field, gathers information, networks and holds discussions on population issues with colleagues in other institutions.
- Prepares briefing notes on population and development issues for senior staff.
- Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s products.
- 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.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply population concepts, demographic techniques and research methods to issues of concern to the UN. Ability to determine the suitability, validity and accuracy of the data or estimates available. Ability to devise sound methods for the derivation of population estimates. Ability to draft reports on population issues. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
- 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 demography or in sociology, statistics, economics or related field with an emphasis on demography is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in population analysis and research or related area is required. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience in research on fertility and family planning is desirable. Experience in programming computer applications relevant to the analysis of demographic data, particularly in R, is desirable.
Languages
- 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 UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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