Social Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Division for Gender Affairs of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. ECLAC was established in 1948 with the mission to contribute to the economic and social development of the region. The organization focuses on designing, monitoring, and evaluating public policies, providing advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supporting regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. ECLAC operates in various countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, working to address social and economic challenges in the region. For more information, you can visit their official website at www.eclac.org.

Job Overview:
The Social Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in analyzing social development issues at global, regional, and national levels. This position involves conducting empirical research and analyzing trends and developments related to social policy issues that align with the unit's mandate. The officer will be responsible for developing indicators and methodologies for evaluating specific topics, liaising with government officials and representatives from various organizations, and providing advice on social policy matters. The role also includes planning and organizing technical meetings, drafting reports, and representing the work unit at international meetings. The officer will contribute to intergovernmental processes related to gender equality and women's autonomy, preparing inputs for reports and assisting in organizing panels and discussions on social development issues. Additionally, the officer will prepare documentation for technical cooperation programs and monitor their implementation, ensuring effective support for government initiatives and training programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Social Affairs Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Participating in the analysis of social development issues and conducting empirical research on trends and policy issues.
• Developing indicators and methodologies for evaluating specific topics.
• Liaising with government officials and representatives from various organizations on social policy issues.
• Assisting in the planning and organization of technical meetings and drafting reports.
• Representing the work unit at international meetings and participating in working groups and consultations.
• Preparing various written reports and communications, including analytical reports and background papers.
• Supporting the Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean and contributing to gender equality initiatives.
• Preparing documentation for technical cooperation programs and monitoring their implementation.
• Organizing training and seminars for government officials and experts. 1
• Providing guidance and supervision to junior staff and performing administrative tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong knowledge and practical application of theories related to social development and social policy. They should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to identify and articulate complex issues, and sound judgment. Research skills are essential, including the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources. Candidates should also show professionalism, efficiency in meeting commitments, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Teamwork and collaboration skills are crucial, as well as the ability to plan and organize effectively, adjusting priorities as necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sociology, economics, gender and development studies, or other related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in socio-economic development, policy analysis, or sociological research. Experience in producing research papers and analytical reports on gender and development in Latin America and the Caribbean is required. Desirable experience includes the implementation of technical cooperation projects and working in international organizations such as the United Nations. Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics or related areas is preferred.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. Candidates should consult the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the work unit’s services. The role may also require on-the-job training activities, both internally and externally. Specific details regarding contract duration, seniority level, and whether the position is full-time or part-time were not provided in the job description.