YPP Exam: Social Affairs/Social Policy & Development (for external applicants), P2 at United Nations

Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located primarily in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the Regional Commissions. DESA is a vital interface between global policies in the economic, social and environmental spheres and national action. Its work is guided by the universal, integrated and transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, along with a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 associated targets adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 September 2015. The Regional Commissions are the regional outposts of the United Nations in their respective regions. They are also an integral part of their regional institutional landscape. Incumbents typically report to the Head of a Branch or Section or to a Senior Social Affairs Officer. The typical job in this area is Associate Social Affairs Officer and may also be Associate Population Affairs Officer.

Responsibilities

The Young Professionals Programme examination in Social Affairs/Social Policy & Development covers a wide range of cross-cutting issues covered in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This includes social, economic and demographic topics, matters related to poverty eradication, employment, inequality, gender equality, social integration and social inclusion, crime prevention, drug policies, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, youth, population dynamics, aging and migration, as well as other related areas covered by the social affairs arms of the United Nations. Successful candidates could be assigned to a job in any or a combination of these areas.

Some of the key responsibilities in these areas would be:

1. Analysis
2. Carries out basic research, including collecting, analysing and presenting data and other information gathered from different sources, undertaking literature reviews and participating in the analysis of national experiences and in policy development.
3. Assists in designing, organizing, planning and managing the collection, evaluation, analysis, compilation, dissemination and visualization of statistical data on socio-economic issues. Assists in developing, implementing and managing statistical database(s) on trends in socio-economic development.
4. Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g., draft background papers, sections of research reports and studies, technical studies, summary reports, etc.
5. Develops and maintains reference/resource information on specific topics, policy-related issues, recent developments and emerging trends, etc.
6. Provides administrative and substantive support to expert group meetings, panel discussions, conferences, seminars, round tables, etc., including proposing agenda topics and experts, the preparation of technical materials, handling and overseeing logistical and administrative arrangements, etc.
7. Analyses progress and developments in the implementation of specific programmes; contributes to the development of mechanisms for monitoring programme implementation.
8. Maintains awareness of broader and current social affairs and related issues, such as political and sustainable development issues, so as to integrate relevant developments and considerations into specific sector, country or regional related activities and work.
9. Intergovernmental Support, Communication and Outreach
10. Provides support to intergovernmental processes dealing with social development or population or sustainable development issues by preparing inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies; following and providing technical support to intergovernmental meetings and preparing summary reports and similar material; preparing inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings; assisting in the organization of panels, round tables, etc.
11. Liaises with NGOs, researchers, academia, etc., as appropriate, to obtain and provide data and information; responds to various inquiries and information requests internally and externally.
12. Participates in the design and implementation of outreach activities in assigned areas, though the provision of written inputs including presentations articles and publications, and attending stakeholder meetings.
13. Drafts communications materials for a variety of audiences, including for online publications, newsletters and social media platforms.
14. Technical Cooperation
15. Compiles and analyses data and other information necessary for the preparation of technical cooperation project proposals in the area of social development, population affairs or sustainable development.
16. Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects.
17. Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sectoral technical cooperation projects.
18. Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.
19. Participates in fact-finding and advisory missions to government and other activities in support of work programme.
20. Performs other duties as required.

The duties above are generic and may not be performed by all Associate Social Affairs / Associate Population Affairs Officers.

Competencies

1. Professionalism:
2. Shows pride in work and in achievements
3. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter
4. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results
5. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns
6. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges
7. Remains calm in stressful situations
8. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work

Teamwork:

1. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
2. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
3. Places team agenda before personal agenda
4. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
5. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

Planning & Organizing:

1. Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
2. Identifies priority activities and assignments
3. Adjusts priorities as required
4. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
5. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
6. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
7. Uses time efficiently

Education

1. At least a first-level university degree (i.e., Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree of at least three years) in one of the following areas (to be selected from the “Main Course of Study” dropdown menu):

All Fields of Study within the following Main Courses of Study:

1. Social & Behavioural Science
2. Mathematics & Statistics
3. Law

Additional accepted Fields of Study:

1. Criminology (found within “Security” Main Course of Study)
2. Cultural Studies, Foreign Languages and Cultures (found within “Humanities” Main Course of Study

Important: when preparing your application in Inspira, please choose the field of study that is closest to your degree, from the “Field of Study” and “Main Course of Study” dropdown menus; then type the exact title in original language as well as its translation in English or French in the additional comment boxes. Do not select “other” for main course of study or field of study.

Work Experience

No work experience is required. Relevant work experience may be taken into consideration as an additional screening criteria when more than 60 candidates from the same country apply to the same exam area.

Languages

Fluency (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.