ASSOCIATE POPULATION AFFAIRS OFFICER (TJO)

This position is located in the Population Unit of the Sustainable Development and Population Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), based in Geneva, Switzerland. It focuses on population policy, specifically related to population ageing and intergenerational and gender relations. The Associate Population Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of Population Unit.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Population Unit of UNECE and within delegated authority, the Associate Population Affairs Officer:

• Assists in providing support to intergovernmental processes on population issues, including preparing draft inputs for reports, following the meetings and preparing summary reports, and assisting in the organization of panels and round tables.
• Assists in the organization and servicing of the Standing Working Group on Ageing sessions, expert group meetings, and seminars, etc. on population-related issues. This includes liaising with the national focal points on ageing and establishing partnerships with other organizations at international and country level, scientific experts, NGOs and other stakeholders to ensure overall information flow and strategic engagement.
• Undertakes analytical and organizational tasks related to the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) in the UNECE region, and contributes to the follow-up of regional and global conferences on population issues and towards better informed policymaking through research and policy discussion.
• Works on policy briefs and technical studies on population trends, population policies and their relations to social and economic factors in specific topical areas such as population ageing, intergenerational and gender relationships; develops and maintains the dataset of good practice examples in the subject area; prepares substantive inputs to review and assessment papers on progress made and challenges identified in the area of ageing.
• Contributes to development of content for the UNECE Ageing Policies Database; coordinates the work of subcontractors contributing to the database content development; is actively involved into technical development of the UNECE Ageing Policies Database.
• Any other tasks that may arise.

Professionalism: Demonstrates understanding of specific challenges related to population ageing and other policy aspects of population change relevant to UNECE countries; familiarity with intergovernmental processes; experience in drafting policy papers and related recommendations in the area of responsibility; and ability to determine the suitability, validity and accuracy of the information available and of research and studies undertaken by others. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

An advanced university degree in demography, social or political sciences or related field. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programmes in data analytics, business analytics or data science programmes is desirable.

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in population or policy analysis and research or related field. (No experience is required for candidates who have passed a United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination.) Experience in population ageing and older persons, and specifically ageing-related policies is required. Experience with managing web-based databases (experience using content management systems) and content development for qualitative databases is desirable. Experience in servicing international intergovernmental meetings is desirable. Experience with servicing working groups / intergovernmental taskforces using online collaboration tools is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related field is desirable. Experience working in the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Russian is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.