Special Notice
Staff members 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 (PHP) and cover note.
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 CEA respects the principle of geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is located in the African Centre for Statistics, Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The incumbent reports to the Director of African Centre for Statistics (ACS).
Responsibilities
Under the overall direction of the Director of the African Center for Statistics (ACS), the Chief of the Demographic and Social statistics section will provide leadership and guidance in following programme area of work in Africa
a) Civil registration and vital statistics; b) 2020 Round of Population and Housing Census; c) Gender Statistics; d) Statistical support in monitoring of SDG indicators and e) Other demographic and social statistics related areas. She/he will guide countries in developing and implementing programmes in the above mentioned areas keeping in view the international standards and methodologies and also the African peculiarities. The Chief of the demographic and social statistics section will: (a) plan and organize the following duties: resource mobilization, establish and coordinate partnership; planning and management of the above mentioned programmes; provide technical guidance on strengthening national statistical capacity to develop and implement programmes in civil registration and vital statistics, population and housing census, gender statistics and social statistics. (b) address a wide range of technical questions, institutional and financial issues to support countries in implementing civil registration and vital statistics plans including mortality statistics and causes of death, 2020 round of population census; gender statistics and social statistics particularly those related to the SDGs; assisting countries to adapt to internationally methodologies to the African context; lead and coordinate regional working group in these programme area of work (c) provide substantive input in the preparation of position papers related to demographic and social statistics and reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports. Initiating, planning and preparing manuals, web sites and other technical documentation regarding the work programme for general distribution, (d) Ensure that the outputs produced by Section maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensure that all outputs produced by the Section under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates. (e) Prepare inputs for the work programme of the Centre, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. (f) Carry out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates. (g) Representing ECA at inter-agency meetings, seminars, inter-governmental and technical meetings and conferences on substantive-related issues related to civil registration, population censuses, gender statistics and statistics related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (h) Participate in international, regional or national meetings, provide expertise on demographic statistics and social statistics, and hold programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions including maintaining close liaison and co-operation within the field of demographic statistics and social statistics throughout the organization and with other relevant national and international institutions to ensure full co-ordination and to avoid duplication of efforts.
Competencies
•PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge and expertise in the field of social statistics and indicators. Proven analytical skills and ability to provide seasoned technical advice in the development and implementation of programmes, methodologies and policies with a view to improving statistical capabilities and standards of broad applicability. Familiarity with the problems of international statistics in general. 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.
•PLANNING AND 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.
•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.
•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 improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
•MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
Education
Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, or related field. Additional studies or training in Information and Technology would be an asset. 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 10 years of relevant experience in official statistics at national, regional, or international levels in the area of demographic and social statistics is required. Must have experience in working with development partners and stakeholders in the areas described above. Experience in management in the African context, as well knowledge of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) is an advantage.
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
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, 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 or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
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