Director, Emerging And Conflict Related Issues Division, Beirut

Job Title

DIRECTOR, EMERGING AND CONFLICT RELATED ISSUES DIVISION, D1

Department/ Office

Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

Duty Station

BEIRUT

Posting Period

15 October 2012-14 December 2012

Job Opening number

12-ECO-ESCWA-25650-R-BEIRUT(G)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This post is located within the Emerging and Conflict Related Issues (ECRI) Division of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Director, Emerging and Conflict Related Issues Division reports directly to the Executive Secretary, Under Secretary General (USG).

Responsibilities

The Director of the Emerging and Conflict Related Issues Division will be responsible for carrying out the following functions:

1 - Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Emerging and Conflict Related Issues (ECRI) Division. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and coordinates work in the areas of governance and conflict analysis mitigation, and addresses its spillover effects. Coordinates these issues within the Division, between other ESCWA divisions, and with partner organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate;

2 - Conducts and provides substantive guidance for research and studies on conflicts and the potential impact of regional and global emerging issues on development. Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of ECRI, and coordinates the work carried out by staff of the Division and oversees programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others;

3 - Recommends policy advice and program initiatives in relation to countries in transition, emerging trends, institutional development, peacebuilding, crisis management and conflict mitigation;

4 - Coordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to the Commission and intergovernmental bodies, as appropriate;

5 - Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biennial and/or annual reports;

6 - Ensures that the outputs produced by ECRI maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Division meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates;

7 - Prepares the work programme of ECRI, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. Monitors progress, re-prioritize activities as necessary, and evaluates upon completion;

8 - Oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of ECRI, including:a - preparation of the Division's budgets, based on results-based budgeting principles, and reporting on budget/programme performance;b - evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviewing and evaluation of candidates for job openings, and recommending candidates for recruitment, taking due account of geographical and gender balance, as well as other staff selection policy guidelines;

9 - Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision;

10 - Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries;

11 - Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars;

12 - Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions;

13 - Represents ESCWA at relevant international, regional or national meetings;

14 - Assists the Executive Secretary in preparing position papers and statements and contributes to the preparation of ESCWA relevant inputs to the Secretary-General reports, and carries out other assignments that may be delegated by the Executive Secretary.

Competencies

Professionalism - Knowledge of socio-economic development and conflict related issues, in general and in Arab States/ESCWA countries in particular, and a publication record on the Arab Region in refereed Journals; ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of 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.

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.

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.

Vision - Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in one or more of the following disciplines: economics, development economics, law, political science, public administration, social sciences or related field (PhD preferred). A first-level university degree in addition to qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience at the international and regional level is required in high level research and analysis on development issues, conflict analysis and governance, including experience in directing such research, and in managing development programmes. Experience in formulating and implementing development polices. Managerial experience is required and successful experience in resource mobilization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable.

Assessment Method

The shortlisted candidates will undergo a substantive assessment and a competency-based interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Special Notice

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.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

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.