Introduction

The position is located in the Secretary General’s office (SGO) of the International Social Security Association (ISSA). The ISSA, established in 1927 under the auspices of the International Labour Organization (ILO), is the leading global organization for social security institutions, and related government departments. The ISSA counts over 330 member organizations from 162 countries. As a voluntary membership-based organization, the ISSA provides relevant knowledge-based services to effectively support its members to work towards excellence in social security administration. In order to respond appropriately to the diverse needs and priorities of its global membership, the ISSA implements a triennial programme of technical and regional activities.

Under the direction of the Head of SGO, the incumbent is responsible for relations with the more than 100 ISSA member institutions in Africa, including member needs analysis, responsive member services, member retention and member recruitment. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating the planning and implementation of the ISSA regional programme of activities in collaboration with ISSA regional structures, developing the partnership activities with regional organizations in Africa and is the project manager of the ISSA Regional Social Security Forum for Africa, which is the most important social security event in the region. Based on the specific knowledge of the incumbent of the regional membership, the incumbent also supports the ISSA technical activities and provides advice to programme development.

The incumbent reports directly to the Head of SGO.

Description of Duties

1. Coordinate and develop relations with the ISSA membership in Africa, including the analysis of member needs, pro-active guidance to members in their use of ISSA products and services, responses to member requests, member retention and institutional exchanges regarding membership status and changes in senior management.
2. Develop methodologies and approaches to track and document the participation of African member institutions in ISSA activities, strengthen their knowledge of ISSA activities and services and develop proposals and tailored activities to strengthen their engagement with ISSA.
3. Build knowledge on the social security policy and institutional challenges, good practices, priorities and needs of members in Africa.
4. Work towards the expansion of the ISSA membership in Africa through member recruitment activities in collaboration with the regional structures.
5. Support the implementation of a broad range of ISSA activities through facilitating access to, and exchange with, members in Africa, including through targeted outreach, tailored promotion and recommendations for speakers and good practice cases.
6. Coordinate the ISSA regional structures in Africa and provide guidance to these structures in the implementation of activities that respond to expressed member needs and the objectives of the ISSA Programme and Budget.
7. Project manage the organization of the ISSA Regional Social Security Forum for Africa, including the contribution of other units, with a view to ensuring high levels of technical debates, relevant networking opportunities and satisfaction by members.
8. Contribute to ISSA partnership activities by developing institutional relations with regional organizations, including the African Union, CIPRES and ASSA.
9. Provide advice and support to the ISSA management team in the strategic and political aspects of relations with members in Africa.
10. Prepare statements, speeches and correspondence for the Secretary General and the ISSA President.
11. Contribute to ISSA activities and projects and perform other duties as required by the Secretary General or the Head of SGO.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master‘s or equivalent) in public administration, economics, political science, law or other relevant field a relevant field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least seven years of relevant professional experience in a social security administration or social security government agency, including at the international level.

Languages

Excellent command of English and French.

Competencies

• Very good knowledge of various aspects, challenges and priorities for social security policy and administration in Africa.
• Decision making and problem solving skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Service mindedness and ability to build networks.
• Negotiation skills and sound experience in communicating with senior officials.
• Computer application skills.
• Organization and management skills.
• Tact and persuasiveness in dealing with people.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively monitor work programmes and resources.
• Open to diversity.
• Ability to work and contribute in a team.