Research Officer, P-3 DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 05 May 2008 ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: United Nations Office at Geneva DUTY STATION: Geneva VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 08-IMA-UNOG-417042-R-GENEVA (G)
Priority consideration for vacancies at the P3 level will be given to internal candidates and candidates who have passed a comptetitive examination. The Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) is responsible to the General Assembly and to the legislative organs of those specialized agencies and other organizations within the United Nations system that accept its statute.
Remuneration Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Responsibilities This position is located in the JIU Secretariat. The incumbent reports to the Executive Secretary. As far as review projects are concerned, he/she receives substantive guidance from the Inspector(s) in charge of the project and supervise by a Senior Research Officer. During the reviews the incumbent is expected to work with a large degree of independence. Under the authority of the Executive Secretary, the supervision of a Senior Research Officer and the guidance of the Inspector(s) concerned, the incumbent: – Participates in the preparation of a structured work plan for evaluation and inspection reviews, taking into account their scope and complexity; – Analyzes information collected by the assigned Research Assistant and conducts preliminary desk reviews; – Prepares questionnaires, surveys and interview guides and drafts correspondence related to the reviews; – Participates in the Inspectors’ missions and assists in the interviews conducted by the Inspectors; – Analyzes data, identifies problems and issues and suggests solutions; – Participates in drafting the Unit’s reports; – Ensures accuracy of the information contained in the reports; – Guides and oversees the work of the assigned Research Assistant;- Performs focal point responsibilities in respect of assigned organizations, including the drafting and updating of management assessments; – Assesses and screens proposals for the annual Programme of Work of the Unit; – Participates in internal JIU meetings and assists in the preparation of JIU attendance at meetings of legislative organs; – Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Secretary.
Competencies Communication: Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively. Ability to ask pertinent questions, to listen to others, correctly interpret messages received and respond appropriately. Demonstrated openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and Organizing: Ability to develop clear goals and identify priorities. Ability to allocate appropriate amount of resources for completing work, foreseeing risks and planning for contingencies. Efficient use of time. Ability to monitor and adjust plans. Accountability: Ability to deliver outputs within prescribed time and quality standards. Honours commitments and takes personal responsibility for shortcomings. Team work: Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education Advanced university degree, preferably in business or public administration, economics, statistics, international affairs, law or in a related field. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience, of which at least 3 years involving research and analysis, preferably in the area of oversight (evaluation, audit, inspection, investigation) or a related field.
Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations secretariat. For the post advertized, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Other Skills Excellent drafting skills required. Ability to use IT tools for research and proficiency in the use of standard computer applications (in particular spreadsheets, presentations, etc)is required.
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). English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
How to apply All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Because applications submitted by United Nations (UN) staff members are considered first, provided the eligibility requirements set out in ST/AI/2002/4 are met and the application is submitted in a timely fashion, staff members should apply within 15-day or 30-day mark.
Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please go to “My UN” page and check the status of your application by clicking on “View Application History”, and resubmit the application, if necessary.
1. To start the application process, applicants are required to register by opening a "My UN" account. Go to Login, and Register as a User. Fill in the form and choose a User Name and Password.2. After opening the account, applicants may apply for vacancies using the Personal History Profile (PHP) provided. Once the PHP has been completed for a particular vacancy, it can be saved and used for future applications. The PHP may be up-dated, when necessary, for future applications.3. In completing the PHP, please note that all fields marked with an asterisk must be completed.4. UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the appropriate Human Resources Office (HRO)/Personnel Office (PO) to the email address below, clearly indicating the vacancy announcement number. In case you have no access to the digitizing equipment, please submit hard copies of the two latest PAS reposts to the relevant HRO/PO via fax.E-mail: Fax: +Please see the Frequently Asked Questions, if you encounter problems when applying.
