Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Programme on Ageing Unit in the Social Inclusion and Participation Branch of the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD), in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Social Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of Unit of the Programme on Ageing Unit. The Programme on Ageing Unit in DISD/SIPB serves to facilitate and promote the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, including designing guidelines for policy development and implementation; advocating means to mainstream ageing issues into development agendas; engaging in dialogue with civil society and the private sector; and information exchange. The Programme also aims to enhance awareness of the global situation of older persons and increase recognition of strengthening the protection of the human rights of older persons; and to promote mainstreaming and policy support for ageing issues for the implementation of development agendas, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More information on DISD/SIPB's work programme on ageing and older persons is available at https://www.un.org/development/desa/ageing/

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent undertakes the following duties and responsibilities:

？ Participates in the analysis of social development issues in ageing areas at the global, regional and national levels.

？ Assisting in research and analysis in the field of ageing and older persons.

？ Assisting in the preparation of analytical reports and other parliamentary documentation on areas covered by the Branch, including reports on implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, providing an assessment of national and global trends and their implications, for consideration by intergovernmental bodies, such as the General Assembly and the Commission for Social Development.

？Assisting in the planning, organizing and servicing of meetings of intergovernmental bodies dealing with social development and social inclusion issues (e.g. the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development, etc.) by following meetings and preparing summary reports; servicing informal consultations; preparing inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings; and assisting in the organization of panels, round tables, and other meetings on social development issues for intergovernmental processes.

？Assisting in the planning, organizing and servicing of technical and ad hoc expert group meetings.

？Promoting and maintaining dialogue on issues of ageing, older persons and social integration, with civil society organizations and other stakeholders working in the area of social inclusion with particular reference to ageing and older persons.

？Performing other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Knowledge of social and development issues. Knowledge of theories and concepts related to social development and social policy, with a particular focus on ageing; Ability to have strong analytical capacity and ability to identify, analyze and articulate multi-dimensional social development issues; Ability to use sound judgment; Ability to conduct research, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources using standard methodologies and analytical techniques. Ability to draw conclusions and to 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. 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 a gender perspective 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 the 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 degree) in sociology, economics, other social science or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in socio economic development, policy analysis, sociological research or related area is required. Experience in social development issues is required. Experience in intergovernmental work, particularly providing substantive support to the intergovernmental process, is required. Experience with drafting reports and parliamentary documentation is required. Experience with social research on ageing is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 2018, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belarus, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, China, Comoros, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.