Technical Specialist in Social Security (Project Manager) - P4

Introduction

The position is located in the Social Security Development Branch (SSD) of the International Social Security Association (ISSA). The ISSA is the world's leading international organisation for social security institutions and related government departments. Founded in 1927 under the auspices of the International Labour Organization, the ISSA counts over 330 member organisations from over 150 countries. 

Under the direction of the Director of the SSD branch, which is the unit responsible for all technical activities and the related knowledge base necessary to reach ISSA’s objectives, the incumbent is responsible for managing projects and activities related to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Organization, Management and Innovation in social security. The objective of these projects and activities are to support ISSA member institutions in implementing, adapting and improving social security programs and services through effective practices and sound governance and strategies.  

This includes the review and ongoing improvement of the ISSA Guidelines, particularly related to enhancing management practices, digitalisation and the resilience of social security systems, and related activities of the ISSA Centre for Excellence. The incumbent monitors the salient emerging trends, identify good practices and innovation to meet key social security challenges. The incumbent coordinates the activities of the Technical Commission on ICT and supports the works of the Technical Commission on Organization, Management and Innovation. The incumbent ensures that the TCs are dynamic and contributes to the priorities established in the Program and Budget every triennium.  

The incumbent reports directly to the Director of the SSD branch.  
 

Description of Duties

1. Develop and manage projects on social security, notably in the area of management of social security organisations, particularly concerning developments in their governance, organisation, processes, service delivery and technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their systems.
2. Strengthen the relevance of the ISSA’s knowledge and services for member institutions in their technological transition and the application of advanced management practices by providing input to prepare and revise ISSA Guidelines, ISSA publications, and products of the Centre for Excellence. 
3. Coordinate the ISSA Technical Commission on ICT and support the works of the Technical Commission on Organization, Management and Innovation, which mainly consist of guidelines knowledge development, contents for ISSA publications and events. Establish and implement Technical Commission work plans for these activities in line with the ISSA Programme and Budget, taking into account the needs of the members, the ISSA project management framework and subject to the availability of funds and approval of the Director.
4. Provide advice on technical and strategic aspects of the development of social security systems regarding digitalisation and the technological transition considerations to address global challenges and identify opportunities for innovation.
5. Prepare technical programmes of ISSA conferences, seminars, workshops, particularly the ISSA International Conference on ICT in Social Security, to ensure high quality, relevance and value-added engagement with members. 
6. Contribute to the ISSA partnership strategy by developing relations with international organisations related to the relevant technical areas, notably the OECD, UNU EGOV and the ITU. 
7. On request, carry out specific tasks in the delivery of ISSA Centre for Excellence services, particularly for Technical Advice and Support (TAS) and through the management of ISSA Academy workshops.
8. Contribute to the ISSA member engagement and recruitment strategies focusing on social security organisations' management, digitalisation, and innovation needs.  This is achieved by building and maintaining a dynamic community of practice.
9. Perform other duties as required by the Director. 
    

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in a relevant field. Postgraduate studies with a specialisation in business administration, computer science, or similar would be considered an asset.

Experience

At least eight years of relevant experience at the national level in functions in social security administration, or five years at the international level. Demonstrated experience in project management and senior consultancy work in the administration and ICT fields would be appreciated.

Languages

Excellent command of English and good working knowledge of a second official language of the ISSA (French, German, or Spanish). Working knowledge of a third language would be an advantage.

Competencies

• Excellent knowledge of trends, challenges and approaches for management and digitalisation.  Excellent knowledge of social security systems as a whole and of the interconnection between its various branches. 
• Good knowledge of the broad range of technical areas dealt by the ISSA in general and SSD specifically. 
• Practical knowledge of the relevance of management and ICT practices in the development and implementation of social security schemes in a wide variety of context. 
• Problem solving skills and initiative. 
• The ability to synthesise research and reach empirically based conclusions based on related members’ needs and use of the guidelines; ability to provide expert advice; 
• Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects effectively, monitor work programme and resources. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team. 
• Demonstrated ability to apply an interdisciplinary approach to social security issues.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.