Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Programme Management Section (PMS), Statistics Division (SD), Department of Economics and Social Affairs (DESA). The incumbent reports to the Chief, Programme Management Section. The Statistics Division is committed to the advancement of the global statistical system. The Division compiles and disseminates global statistical information, develop standards and norms for statistical activities, and support countries' efforts to strengthen their national statistical systems. Further information is available on the following website: https://unstats.un.org.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief, Programme Management Section, and overall guidance of the Director, Statistics Division, the Programme Management Officer will manage the project on Statistical Capacity Development in China and other Developing Countries as follows: • Participates in the development and implementation of the Division's project on Statistical Capacity Development in China and other Developing Countries; monitors and analyzes project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions. • Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change. • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. • Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, etc. • Undertakes survey initiatives; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Organizes and prepares written outputs related to the project, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc., related to the interlinkages with other capacity building projects of the Division. • Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Participate in the preparation of project outcomes as an input to various forums. • Undertakes outreach activities; oversee the organization of, and conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of programme management theories, concepts and approaches relevant to statistical capacity building and technical cooperation. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • 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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience with statistical capacity building and technical cooperation programmes/projects is required. Experience in development cooperation in the field of statistics is desirable. Experience in supporting efforts in strengthening donor relations is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Chinese (Mandarin) are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIChinese (Mandarin)UN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This is a Project-funded post with a finite duration. This post is temporarily available for one month with a possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The appointment or assignment and renewal is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.
