APPLICATIONS INVITED:

SPSSI Representatives at the United Nations

The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) welcomes applications from psychologists to join its United Nations NGO Team. SPSSI is An accredited Non-Governmental Organization in consultative status at the United Nations with the Department of Public Information (DPI) the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

SPSSI Representatives bring psychological data and expertise, knowledge, understanding, and perspective to issues on the UN Agenda, including human rights, disaster relief, mental health and well-being, education, climate change, gender equality, migration, ageing, and the sustainable development goals. Representatives attend regular committee meetings and work collaboratively with other UN/ NGO's, UN Agencies and UN Missions. At times they function as advocates, plan and organize programs and draft statements for UN Conferences and meetings.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

SPSSI UN/NGO representatives serve as non-paid volunteers but are eligible for reimbursement of modest transportation and other expenses. They attend monthly UN/SPSSI team meetings (generally on Thursdays) and engage with the Psychology Coalition of NGOs at the United Nations, UN Psychology Day, and substantive NGO Committees. They participate in a variety of UN events, and share information about the priorities of the UN with SPSSI members through reports, newsletter articles and presentations at SPSSI meetings. The appointment is for two years and is renewable for additional terms of two years. There is a review of the new representative’s work at the end of the first year and continuing reviews occur every two years.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• SPSSI membership throughout the term of appointment
• Doctoral Degree in Psychology with research, teaching and or practice experience related to the application of psychological science to social issues at the international, national, or community level.
• Cultural sensitivity, good judgment, and excellent oral and writing skills. Computer fluency and social media skills desirable.
• Ability to exercise personal initiative and work collaboratively with others who may hold different viewpoints or opinions.
• Experience working in an international context, and/ or fluency in another language desirable.
• Residence within a 50 mile commuting radius to the UN Headquarters in New York City is essential.

Please submit a letter detailing your interest, a recent curriculum vitae, samples of your writing and the names of three references to Susan Dudley (sdudley@spssi.org) or Anila Balkissoon (abalkissoon@spssi.org), with the words “Application for SPSSI/UN Committee” in the subject line. Candidates will be interviewed by the UN/SPSSI team as part of the Nomination Process. Application deadline is June 15, 2017 or until the position is filled.