Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff is expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures
This position is located in the Demographic and Social Statistics Section, Statistics Division (SD), of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Statistician will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Demographic and Social Statistics Section and the general guidance of the Director of SD.
Within delegated authority, the Statistician will be responsible for the following duties:
1- Organizes, designs, plans and carries out the collection, evaluation, analysis, compilation and dissemination of demographic and social statistical data by selecting methods of data collection, selecting and implementing methods for checking collected data, and selecting and implementing appropriate methods for data processing for incorporation into databases;
2- Participates in the development, implementation and management of database(s) on demographic and social statistics;
3- Provides training and technical support on data collection programmes, country practices and other related information within the area of expertise in demographic and social statistics;
4- Participates in the development or revision of standards on statistical concepts, definitions and classifications by performing methodological research;
5- Prepares draft technical documents on issues of demographic and social statistics for international, intergovernmental and expert group meetings and assists in drafting relevant reports;
6- Organizes and participates in seminars, working groups and expert meetings as a technical resource person;
7- Guides trains and supervises general service staff;
8- Performs other duties as assigned.
PROFESSIONALISM - Knowledge of statistical principles and practices; ability to conduct independent research and analysis; ability to identify issues, formulate options and make conclusions and recommendations; 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.
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.
TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS - Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. An advanced university degree in statistics and/or demography is desirable.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistical data or related area. Experience in processing and analysing statistical microdata and data pertaining to demographic and social characteristics is desirable. Experience in research is desirable.
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For this post, fluency in verbal and written English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
The shortlisted candidates will undergo a written assessment and a competency-based interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
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.