Job Title: Chief, Social and Housing Statistics Section, P5
Department/ Office: DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Posting Period: 28 July 2011-26 September 2011
Job Opening number: 11-STT-DEPT OF ECON & SOCIAL AFFAIRS-20196-R-NEW YORK
The position is located in the Demographic and Social Statistics Branch (DSSB), the Statistics Division (SD), Department and Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Chief of the Social and Housing Statistics Section reports to the Chief of the Branch. The mandate of the post is to support the Division's work on establishment of a framework for social statistics and indications.
Responsibilities
Under the direction and supervision of the Chief of the Demographic and Social Statistics Branch and within the delegated authority, the Chief of the Social and Housing Statistics Section will be responsible for the following duties:
• Plan and direct the Section’s work programme on statistical analysis and methodological work, providing both technical and managerial supervision of all activities;
• Provide policy guidance to the Chief of Branch on methodological development of social and housing statistics including gender statistics, poverty statistics, time-use, disability, violence against women, Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), measurement of special populations groups (youth, elderly and so forth), housing conditions and human settlements, and household surveys;
• Initiate, plan and direct preparation of publications, manuals and web sites in the specific area of the Section;
• Plan and direct technical advisory activities for national capacity building through missions, consultations and training workshops;
• Supervise and undertake the development of new or improved statistical methods and quantitative models for analyses and projects;
• Prepare progress reports and other technical documentation regarding the work programme for presentation to relevant councils, commissions, technical meetings and expert groups;
• Maintain close liaison and co-operation within the field of responsibility throughout the organization and with other relevant national and international institutions to ensure full co-ordination and to avoid duplication of efforts;
• Represent the organization at international and regional meetings and inter-agency activities;
• Advise senior management on trends and developments in the relevant field, and recommend appropriate courses of action;
• Plan, organize and manage staff; plan and discuss individual work programmes with staff and evaluate their performance;
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Ability to provide technical advice in the development and implementation of programs, methodologies and policies with a view to improving statistical capabilities and standards of broad applicability. Expert knowledge of various aspects of social and housing statistics, including state of the art methodology and current concepts as well as MDGs. Proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to substantially review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply United Nations rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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. • Communication: Speak and write clearly and effectively; listen to others, correctly interprets messages from others and respond appropriately; ask questions to clarify, and exhibit interest in having two-way communication; tailor language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Planning and Organizing: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identify priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning; monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary; use time efficiently. • Managing Performance: Delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; make sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judge the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and match task to skills; regularly discuss performance and provide feedback and coaching to staff; encourage risk-taking and support creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraise performance fairly. • Judgement/Decision-making: Identify the key issues in a complex situation, and come to the heart of the problem quickly; consider positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; take decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; propose a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in statistics, quantitative sociology, demography or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with
qualifying experience in statistics of social statistics may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of social or related statistics at the national or international level is required. Experience in common data collection methods, such as surveys, censuses and administrative sources, is required. Experience in managing teams is desirable. Experience in working with national statistics offices and/or relevant senior government officials is an asset.
Languages
English and French are the official languages of the Secretariat. For this post, fluency in
English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include a substantive assessment, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Staff member of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile and cover note.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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