Posting Title: Population Affairs Officer, P4
Job Code Title: POPULATION AFFAIRS OFFICER
Department/ Office: Economic Commission for Africa
Duty Station: ADDIS ABABA
Posting Period: 9 September 2014-8 November 2014
Job Opening number: 14-POP-ECA-37106-R-ADDIS ABABA(G)
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.
- UNECA is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Population and Youth Section, Social Development Policy Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Chief, Population and Youth Section and the general supervision of the Director of the Division.
Responsibilities
The Population Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Provides substantive support on population issues to intergovernmental bodies, such as the Commission on Population and Development, the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly or the regional commissions. This activity includes preparing reports or inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies, attending meetings, preparing summary reports on meetings, assisting in the organization of panels or round tables.
• Develops and maintains databases on demographic indicators, population and development indicators, population policy information and indicators or information on other population-related issues. Programs and oversees the development of appropriate software for the efficient use and management of data in databases
• Prepares population estimates and projections. This task includes the application of techniques of demographic analysis to estimate demographic indicators and to evaluate population data for completeness and accuracy so as to adjust the data as needed. It also includes the application and development of techniques or methods of population projection, and the provision of expert input to the periodic revisions of assumptions underlying the population projections.
• Designs and carries out technical studies on population trends, population policies and their relations to social and economic factors in specific topical areas such as fertility; family planning; internal and international migration; urbanization; health and mortality; population structure and composition; population ageing; population, environment and development. Writes substantive reports on the results of the studies carried out.
• Applies, adapts or develops methodologies for demographic analysis. Develops the tools for the appropriate implementation of methodology. Programming experience is necessary to perform this task, as is solid background in statistics or mathematics.
• Assists in carrying out administrative tasks including interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates, preparation of budgets, reporting on programme performance, preparation of input for results-based budgeting.
• Assists in providing supervision and guidance to more junior staff.
• Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on population-related issues.
• Attends international, regional or national meetings on population issues to present results of demographic analysis and research; keeps abreast of developments in the field, gathers information, networks and holds discussions on population issues with colleagues in other institutions.
• Represents the Population Division at international, regional or national meetings.
• Designs and provides technical support to technical cooperation projects in the area of population and development.
• Assists in the preparation of research proposals for external funding on population issues.
• Prepares briefing notes or press releases on population and development issues for use by senior staff, other offices and departments of the United Nations, and the media.
• Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback.
• Participates in intra- and inter-Departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit.
• Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit's services.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge of methods of demographic analysis and theories pertaining to demographic change and population trends. Ability to produce reports and technical papers on population issues, preferably including own-name publications in technical journals or other scientific publications. 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 understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in demography or in sociology, statistics or economics with an emphasis on demography. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in population analysis and research or related area. Field experience in developing countries and country or region-specific knowledge is also required. Experience with development issues in Africa is desirable. Experience with international technical cooperation projects are also desirable. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.
Languages
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
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.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Job Code Title: POPULATION AFFAIRS OFFICER
Department/ Office: Economic Commission for Africa
Duty Station: ADDIS ABABA
Posting Period: 9 September 2014-8 November 2014
Job Opening number: 14-POP-ECA-37106-R-ADDIS ABABA(G)
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.
- UNECA is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Population and Youth Section, Social Development Policy Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Chief, Population and Youth Section and the general supervision of the Director of the Division.
Responsibilities
The Population Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Provides substantive support on population issues to intergovernmental bodies, such as the Commission on Population and Development, the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly or the regional commissions. This activity includes preparing reports or inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies, attending meetings, preparing summary reports on meetings, assisting in the organization of panels or round tables.
• Develops and maintains databases on demographic indicators, population and development indicators, population policy information and indicators or information on other population-related issues. Programs and oversees the development of appropriate software for the efficient use and management of data in databases
• Prepares population estimates and projections. This task includes the application of techniques of demographic analysis to estimate demographic indicators and to evaluate population data for completeness and accuracy so as to adjust the data as needed. It also includes the application and development of techniques or methods of population projection, and the provision of expert input to the periodic revisions of assumptions underlying the population projections.
• Designs and carries out technical studies on population trends, population policies and their relations to social and economic factors in specific topical areas such as fertility; family planning; internal and international migration; urbanization; health and mortality; population structure and composition; population ageing; population, environment and development. Writes substantive reports on the results of the studies carried out.
• Applies, adapts or develops methodologies for demographic analysis. Develops the tools for the appropriate implementation of methodology. Programming experience is necessary to perform this task, as is solid background in statistics or mathematics.
• Assists in carrying out administrative tasks including interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates, preparation of budgets, reporting on programme performance, preparation of input for results-based budgeting.
• Assists in providing supervision and guidance to more junior staff.
• Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on population-related issues.
• Attends international, regional or national meetings on population issues to present results of demographic analysis and research; keeps abreast of developments in the field, gathers information, networks and holds discussions on population issues with colleagues in other institutions.
• Represents the Population Division at international, regional or national meetings.
• Designs and provides technical support to technical cooperation projects in the area of population and development.
• Assists in the preparation of research proposals for external funding on population issues.
• Prepares briefing notes or press releases on population and development issues for use by senior staff, other offices and departments of the United Nations, and the media.
• Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback.
• Participates in intra- and inter-Departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit.
• Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit's services.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge of methods of demographic analysis and theories pertaining to demographic change and population trends. Ability to produce reports and technical papers on population issues, preferably including own-name publications in technical journals or other scientific publications. 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 understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in demography or in sociology, statistics or economics with an emphasis on demography. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in population analysis and research or related area. Field experience in developing countries and country or region-specific knowledge is also required. Experience with development issues in Africa is desirable. Experience with international technical cooperation projects are also desirable. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.
Languages
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
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.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
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