CHIEF OF SECTION, GOVERNANCE AND STATEBUILDING, P5

Job Title: CHIEF OF SECTION, GOVERNANCE AND STATEBUILDING, P5

Department/ Office: Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

Duty Station: BEIRUT

Posting Period:  24 May 2013-23 July 2013

Job Opening number: 13-PBA-ESCWA-28009-R-BEIRUT(G)

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located within the Governance and Statebuilding, Emerging and Conflict Related Issues (ECRI) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Chief of Section reports directly to the Director of ECRI.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Chief of Governance and Statebuilding Section will be responsible for the following. 
1.  Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Governance and Statebuilding Section. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Section, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and coordinates work in the areas of governance, institutional development and state building both within the Section and Division, and with other partner organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate.
2.  Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of the Section in the areas inclusive of governance and development, public sector reform, including institutional development, public-private partnership, public financial management, decentralization and peace-building. Addresses the challenges of transition as regards suitable governance reforms, transitional justice and state building. Coordinates the work carried out by staff of the Section; provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others.
3.  Coordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies as appropriate.
4.  Develops research agenda and lead research in governance issues, public sector policy and management, transitional justice and the development of institutional frameworks for enhanced accountability.
5.  Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues related to the key areas of governance, instability and development, particularly those presented in biennial and /or annual reports.
6.  Ensures that the outputs produced by the Section maintain high-quality standard; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data, and that they comply with the relevant mandates.
7.  Prepares the work programme of the Section, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
8.  Oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section, including preparation of budgets based on results-based budgeting principles, and reporting on budget/programme performance; evaluation of staff performance (e-performance), interviews of candidates for job openings, and evaluation of candidates, taking due account of geographical and gender balance.
9.  Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision; fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Section and across organizational boundaries.
10.  Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on governance issues, public sector policy and management, transitional justice and the development of institutional frameworks. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.
11.  Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on governance, institutional development and state building issues; holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions.
12.  Represents the Section at international, regional or national meetings.
13.  Carries out other assignments that may be delegated by the supervisor or senior ESCWA officials.

Competencies

Professionalism: Excellent research and analytical skills using quantitative methods. Excellent command of development field, including political economy, inclusive governance, etc. at the technical and policy levels. Ability to conduct independent research, including some own-name publications on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:  Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

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.

Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public administration, economics, political economy, political science, or related area. 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 PhD is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible relevant experience in research and analysis using quantitative methods, and policy formulation including publications in the areas of inclusive governance, peacebuilding, political economy and public sector management in the context of the Western Asia region.

Languages

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

Assessment Method

The shortlisted candidates will undergo a substantive assessment related to the functions of the post in addition to a competency-based interview. Only short-listed 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.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.

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.

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