Org. Setting and Reporting
The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy oriented research and analysis, normative support and technical assistance and capacity building, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.
The position is located in the Office of the Executive Secretary. Under the Supervision of the Secretary of the Commission, the incumbent will contribute towards strengthening and successfully managing of the intergovernmental functions of the Secretariat.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Deputy Secretary of the Commission is responsible for the following duties:
• Substantively prepares for, organizes and services regular and ad-hoc meetings of the Advisory Committee of Permanent Representatives to ESCAP (ACPR).
• Substantively prepares for and services intergovernmental working groups, such as those on resolutions or other bodies of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies; facilitates the effective review, endorsement and adoption of decisions and resolutions by the Commission, as well as monitors their implementation by the secretariat.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources on matters related to intergovernmental processes of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies.
• Coordinates preparations for legislative committees including frameworks for the quality evaluation.
• Identifies, reviews, analyzes and prepares conclusions on issues related to intergovernmental matters, including formulation of resolutions and on other matters of relevance to the Commission.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies on intergovernmental matters of relevance to the Commission.
• Provides procedural backstopping to consultative and other inter-governmental meetings, ministerial conferences, etc.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities for representatives of member States; conducts training workshops, seminars and makes presentations on intergovernmental matters of relevance to the
Commission.
• Leads and/or participates in missions to organize intergovernmental meetings such as the sessions of the Commission and legislative committees and ministerial conferences, held outside Bangkok, including provision of guidance to government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Supports the Secretary of the Commission on activities related to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation to ensure linkages between the Commission conference structure and the secretariat work programme.
• Supports the Secretary of the Commission in the day-to-day external relations of the Commission with Member States and other stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the United Nations intergovernmental process at the global or regional level. Ability to synthesize complex policy proposals into negotiated documents and resolutions. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct analysis on intergovernmental matters, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, international relations, economics, social sciences, management, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, programme management, administration or related area.
Experience in the provision of substantive support to intergovernmental processes and legislative machinery in an international organization is highly desirable.
Experience in dealing with procedures, policies and practices of intergovernmental bodies of an international organization such as the United Nations is highly desirable.
Experience in preparation/coordination of parliamentary documentation is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment
Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.
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.