Deadline: 3 June 2016
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Chief of Section in Beirut, Lebanon.
ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory.
Key Jobs Responsibilities
The Chief of Section will perform the following functions-
- Serve 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, notably in the Arab region.
- Monitor the performance of institutional mandates/actions plans; influences the development and evolution of the ESCWA’s approach to social justice in the areas of equality, equity, participation and human rights; 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.
- Lead the development of a research agenda in the broad area of social justice; oversees the development of and/or conceptualizes formulates and manages major projects/studies; analyzing key trends and changes in socio-economic structures and related social justice issues, particularly in three of its core pillars (equality, equity and participation).
- Take 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 and social justice, exchange views on latest findings, policy guidelines, new models of development, etc.
- Write and/or supervises preparation of a variety of studies, reports, etc. on social and socio-economic issues related to ESCWA’s social justice agenda – with particular focus on its equality and equity dimensions – for publication within the UN system and in academic journals and other publications.
- Represent the organization at national 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 meet.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), in sociology, economics, other social science or related field.
- Academic background in economics is desirable.
- A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- A doctoral degree or equivalent is also desirable.
- A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in socio economic development, social justice, policy analysis, sociological research or related area.
- Field experience in developing countries and in-depth knowledge of the Arab region is required.
- Experience with international technical cooperation projects in social development areas is required.
- Experience in managing staff in substantive sections is desirable.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations.
- Fluency in Arabic is highly desirable. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications through online process.
For more information, please visit ESCWA.
