Senior Social Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Social Policy Analysis Section of the Global Dialogue for Social Development Branch, which is part of the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The DISD was established to promote social development and to support the implementation of various development agendas, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization focuses on social issues such as poverty, inequality, and social integration, and works with intergovernmental bodies to provide policy support and guidance. The DISD operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders including governments, NGOs, and international organizations to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in social development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Social Affairs Officer is responsible for providing authoritative technical and policy advice on major social development issues. This role involves monitoring institutional mandates and actions, influencing the UN's approach to social development, and contributing to significant policy and program changes. The officer will lead the development of research agendas, oversee major projects and studies, and write reports on socio-economic issues for submission to intergovernmental bodies. The position requires establishing partnerships with various stakeholders, planning campaigns for knowledge sharing, and representing the organization at national and international forums. The officer will also coordinate substantive services to intergovernmental bodies and manage the work unit's contributions to meetings and conferences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Social Affairs Officer will serve as a focal point for collaboration on social development issues, providing technical and policy advice to various bodies. Responsibilities include monitoring performance of institutional mandates, leading research agenda development, writing and supervising reports, establishing partnerships, and planning knowledge-sharing campaigns. The officer will coordinate services to intergovernmental bodies, manage contributions to meetings, and develop relations with senior officials of member governments. Additionally, the officer will oversee the work unit's personnel and financial management, supervise key program activities, and perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in sociology, economics, social sciences, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in socio-economic development, policy analysis, and analytical report writing, with at least three years of experience in servicing intergovernmental bodies. Experience leading diverse teams and working on international technical cooperation projects is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sociology, economics, or other social sciences is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. This educational background is essential for understanding complex social issues and contributing effectively to policy development and analysis.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in socio-economic development, policy analysis, and analytical report writing. At least three years of experience in servicing intergovernmental bodies and providing intergovernmental support is essential. Experience in leading diverse teams and working on international technical cooperation projects is desirable, as is experience with data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the UN system and with member states.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. Staff members must fulfill lateral move requirements to be eligible for this vacancy. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as per UN mobility policies. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. Candidates are advised to follow all application instructions carefully and provide complete and accurate information in their applications.