Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Social Development Division, Economic Commission for Latin America and Caribbean (ECLAC), Santiago. The Senior Social Affairs Officer reports to the director of the division. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. It was founded in 1948 with the purpose of contributing to the region’s economic and social development. Its mission includes the design, monitoring and evaluation of public policies and the provision of advisory services, expertise and training to Governments, as well as support for regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. Please visit our website at www.eclac.org for further information.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Social Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Social analysis

• Serves as focal point for collaboration on major issues/topics; provides authoritative technical and policy advice and assistance to inter-governmental and non-governmental bodies, Member State officials, international and other organizations on planning, evaluating and implementing strategies, policies and programmes which impact socio-economic development at global, regional or national levels.
• Monitors the performance of institutional mandates/actions plans; influences the development and evolution of the UN approach to social development issues; makes substantive contributions to the design and implementation of significant policy and programme changes to address country, regional, global social-economic concerns, including gender considerations.
• Leads the development of a research agenda; oversees the development of and/or conceptualizes formulates and manages major projects/studies; analyzing key trends and changes in socio-economic structures and related issues (e.g. social protection, occupational, educational, demographic patterns, gender issues, etc.) at global, regional or national levels; assesses implications and develops proposals with respect to social sector development plans, programmes and projects.
• Takes the lead in establishing partnerships with other experts and stakeholders (e.g. governments, research institutes, academia, UN system and other international organizations, NGOs, the private sector, etc.) to discuss emerging topics related to social development, poverty and inequality, exchange views on latest findings, policy guidelines, new models of development, etc.
• Plans and directs, in consultation with DPI and other relevant parties, targeted campaigns to facilitate knowledge sharing and appropriate dissemination of information, etc. and ultimately ensures that the latest thinking is incorporated into development programmes and other initiatives.
• Writes and/or supervises preparation of a variety of studies, reports, etc. on social and socio-economic issues for publication within the UN system and in academic journals and other publications.
• Represents the organization at national, regional and international fora and presents institutional views/policies; coordinates and chairs and/or contributes substantively to sectoral seminars, general training programmes, workshops and expert group meetings. Intergovernmental Support
• Coordinates provision of substantive services to inter-governmental bodies (e.g. the Regional Conference on Social Development in Latin America and the Caribbean etc); facilitates the negotiation process and promotes constructive dialogue and collaboration; coordinates and facilitates the establishment of and liaison with various groups in civil society; oversees the preparation of analytical reports and other documentation for such bodies.
• Manages the work units contribution to the preparation and management of meetings of intergovernmental bodies.
• Represents the organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings on social and economic issues. Technical Cooperation
• Develops and maintains relations with senior officials of member governments and ensures a response to requests for advice and/or assistance on social issues and policies.
• Negotiates with donor and recipient governments on technical assistance programmes and projects.
• Organises and coordinates cooperation among Member States on social programmes or issues.
• Designs, monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.
• Leads or participates in technical cooperation missions. Programme Support
• Contributes to the personnel and financial management of the work unit, to include the development and implementation of work plans and budgets.
• Carries out and supervises key programme activities, including key missions and other initiatives; leads and directs a team of staff; may oversee activities for a discrete work section or equivalent; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment, selection and training of new staff and in the development of training programs.
• Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.
• Performs other duties as required. Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to advise senior management and other senior officials of approaches and techniques to address highly complex/sensitive issues. Recognized expert in the field with demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership. Ability to conduct complex sociological research projects and development of alternative social models. Ability to undertake conceptual and strategic analyse. Ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to a broad spectrum of socio-economic issues. Ability to demonstrate original and creative thinking. Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major policy, project and other issues/problems. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. Ability to works under extreme pressure. Excellent knowledge of relevant institutional mandates, policies and guidelines. Seasoned knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.
• 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.
• PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to…