Social Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), a regional commission of the United Nations, aims to foster economic and social development in the region. This Social Affairs Officer position is based in the ECLAC Mexico Subregional Office, reporting to the Chief of the Social Development Unit. The role contributes to policy design, monitoring, evaluation, and advisory services for governments.
Job Purpose
The Social Affairs Officer, under the Chief of the Social Development Unit, will conduct in-depth analysis of social development issues at various levels, undertaking empirical research on trends and policy implications. The role involves developing evaluation methodologies, liaising with governmental and non-governmental organizations, and providing expert advice on social policy implementation. Responsibilities include planning and servicing technical meetings, representing the work unit in international forums, and preparing comprehensive reports and documents. The position also supports intergovernmental processes, organizes training seminars, prepares technical cooperation documentation, and monitors project implementation, contributing to the overall mandate of the ECLAC Mexico Subregional Office in promoting social development.
Responsibilities
Conduct social analysis by researching and analyzing social development issues, trends, and policy implications at global, regional, national, and subnational levels. Develop indicators and methodologies for evaluating specific topics and provide advice on social policy implementation. Liaise with government officials and representatives of various organizations. Assist in planning, organizing, and servicing technical meetings, drafting reports, and representing the work unit in international forums. Prepare various written reports, studies, and documents. Support intergovernmental processes by preparing inputs for reports and following meetings. Organize training seminars for national experts and prepare documentation for technical cooperation programs. Monitor and assess the implementation of technical cooperation projects and participate in advisory missions. Provide guidance to junior staff and perform administrative tasks. Collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for data-driven decision-making.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in socio-economic development, policy analysis, or sociological research is required. Experience working in Central America, Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, or the Dominican Republic is necessary. One year of experience delivering technical assistance on social policy design, planning, or implementation at the national or subnational level is also required. Experience in program/project design, implementation, and policy evaluation is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, strong analytical and research skills, sound judgment, ability to provide guidance, teamwork, planning and organizing, data analysis and interpretation, and effective communication.