Director, Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific

The mandate of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. The role of ESCAP as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy-oriented research and analysis and with normative, technical and capacity-building assistance to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of countries in Asia and the Pacific. The Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP), located in Chiba, Japan, was established in May 1970 as a center for statistical training in Asia and the Pacific. SIAP is a subsidiary body of ESCAP with a Governing Council which reviews the administration and financial status of the Institute and the implementation of its programme of work. SIAP's mission, as stated in its Statute, is to strengthen, through practically oriented training of official statisticians, the capability of the developing members and associate members and economies in transition of the region to collect, analyze and disseminate statistics as well as to produce timely and high quality statistics that can be utilized for economic and social development planning, and to assist those developing members and associate members and economies in transition in establishing or strengthening their statistical training capability and other related activities. The Institute supports the overall work programme of the ESCAP Statistics subprogramme. The incumbent reports directly to the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme of ESCAP.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme and overall leadership of the Executive Secretary of ESCAP and in close coordination and collaboration with the Director of the Statistics Division, the Director of SIAP is required to perform the following functions: • Leads and supervises the administration of the Institute and the development and implementation of its work programme, in consultation with the Director of the Statistics Division and in accordance with the Statute of the Institute and based on the decisions and recommendations of its Governing Council and the priorities of ESCAP's technical cooperation and capacity development programme for statistics. • Provides strategic leadership in the development and implementation of the Institute's statistical training and capacity development programmes; ensures that the programmes respond effectively to the priorities of the Governing Council and capacity development needs of national statistical systems in the region, especially in fulfilling the requirements of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. • Provides policy advice on ESCAP strategy, programme priorities, infrastructure and modalities on training as a means of capacity building for SDG implementation. • Coordinates and oversees the annual and long-term work planning of the Institute, in accordance with the Institute's objectives and functions, the 2025-2029 SIAP Strategic Plan and the principles and good practices of results-based management. • Oversees the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Institute, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, staffing and recruitment/selection of staff for SIAP, evaluation of staff performance, and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting in consultation with Strategy and Programme Management Division. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Institute and across organizational boundaries within ESCAP. • Coordinates with the Statistics Division of ESCAP in the formulation and implementation of the substantive work of the statistics subprogramme of ESCAP, including through joint strategic programming. • Collaborates with other regional institutions, sub-regional offices and substantive divisions of ESCAP in relevant areas of work to ensures that the work programme of the Institute is an integral part of the ESCAP strategic framework. . • Strengthens and expands partnerships, including through active engagement in the Network for the Coordination of Statistical Training in Asia and the Pacific, the Asia-Pacific Thematic Working Group on Statistics and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, to strengthen the role of SIAP in building statistical capability in the region. Initiates resource mobilization initiatives and ensures efficient utilization of the Institute's resources. • Leads and supervises the organization of meetings on substantive issues relating to capacity development and training, in particular in developing and implementing a well-coordinated long-term programme on capacity strengthening for the production of SDGs-related data and indicators; facilitates coordination and collaboration among relevant national, regional and international institutions in the promotion of effective statistical training in the region, including through the Network for the Coordination of Statistical Training in Asia and the Pacific. • Serves as Secretary to the SIAP Governing Council which services annual meetings of the Council and actively contributes to strategic discussions on ESCAP priorities and expected outcomes; provides briefings on trends and recommendations for innovative ESCAP-wide statistical training and capacity-building initiatives; identifies opportunities for interdivisional collaboration and suggests mechanisms for effective working arrangements to support these. Prepares and submits annual reports to the Council on long-term work plans for their review, adoption and submission to the Commission. • Represents ESCAP in relevant international and regional meetings, strengthens partnerships between SIAP and statistical development partners and facilitates south-south cooperation as a means of providing statistical training and capacity development. • Maintains regular contact and closely coordinates with the authorities of the host Government to strengthen engagement and identify opportunities for expanding technical cooperation. • Performs other related duties, as required

Core competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of frameworks, standards, methods and operations of official statistics, including emerging trends and challenges, in the context of national and international statistical systems. Expert knowledge of economic (including national accounts), social or environmental (including economic-environmental accounting) statistics, especially those highly relevant to the indicator framework of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In-depth knowledge of statistical capacity development issues related to official statistics in the Asia-Pacific region. Proven ability to innovate and lead initiatives that address new and emerging needs for statistical capacity-building. Proven ability to produce high quality research, and/or technical products on applications of statistical methodologies to official statistics, development of statistical capacity assessment instruments and instructional design models for professional statistical training. Ability to write analytical papers and guide production of flagship publications and to review and edit the work of others. Demonstrated ability to write and deliver speeches and effective public engagement. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrated 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. 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. 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. 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. Managerial competencies 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, data science, economics, demography, sociology or related fields is required. Ph.D degree in any of the above fields is desirable. A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in leading and managing strategic planning and implementation of programmes on data collection. Experience in analysis, dissemination and use of official statistical data is required. Experience is required in the formulation and implementation of capacity-development programmes, including the design and delivery of cost-effective training modalities, innovative online learning, and related institutional-strengthening and staff-development activities in institutional data and statistical capacities. Experience in leading and managing a sizeable work unit is required. Research and analysis in core areas of official statistics, i.e., economic, social, environmental statistics as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications is desirable. Experience in managing a national statistical office is desirable. Relevant professional experience in Asia and the Pacific region is desirable.

Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.

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. This post is funded from extra budgetary resources. The initial appointment is for a period of one year. Extension of appointment will be subject to annual renewal based on performance, funding availability, and continuation of function, with a maximum term of employment as mandated by the SIAP Statute (https://www.unsiap.or.jp/about/statute.html). The candidate selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited”) in accordance with section 2.2 (c) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2025/3 on the Administration of appointments. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10, who are selected for a position subject to FTA-limited will be reassigned to the position without a lien to their parent position. ESCAP is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality within the Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Pursuant to section 6.9 of ST/AI/2010/3/Rev. 1, interns, consultants, individual contractors and gratis personnel may not apply for or be appointed to any vacancy in the Professional or higher categories within six months of the end of their current or most recent service.

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. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The 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 according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. 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 reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.