Chief, Macroeconomic and Development Policies Branch

United Nations
Geneva - Switzerland
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Macroeconomic and Development Policies Branch (MDPB), Division on Globalization and Development Strategies (DGDS), UNCTAD, Geneva. The Chief of Branch reports to the Director of DGDS/UNCTAD.

Responsibilities
Under the broad direction of the Director of DGDS/UNCTAD, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Directs, coordinates and undertakes substantive research in the area of global interdependence from a development perspective, with a particular emphasis on the interaction between macroeconomic and structural policies, taking into account the new global agenda for inclusive and sustainable development; keeps abreast of policy issues at the national and international level so as to assess research priorities, particularly through consultations with high-level government officials and relevant international institutions; directs, coordinates and provides substantive written contributions to the preparation of reports and documents, in particular the annual Trade and Development Report.

• In consultation with the Director of the Division, formulates a programme of work of the Branch, including in particular:
(a) the analysis of global interdependence issues from a development perspective, with a particular emphasis on the interdependence between trade, finance, investment, technology and macroeconomic policies;
(b) the analysis of successful development experiences, drawing out lessons that may be of value to other developing countries, and identifying strategy options for employment creation, financial stability and inclusive development;
(c) the examination of specific development challenges regarding effective participation of developing countries in international trade, finance and investment, including striking the appropriate balance between multilateral rules and actions, and the policy autonomy for addressing national needs and challenges of developing countries;
(d) the provision of policy approaches and technical cooperation aimed at improving the capability and performance of Governments for the creation of the necessary conditions for inclusive development, economic growth and stability at the national level, as well as the creation of a more balanced global economy and an equitable and sustainable global economic environment as stipulated in the Agenda 2030;
(e) the identification of long-standing development challenges which are still relevant for developing countries, as well as new, emerging issues and problems;

• Cooperates with the Director in policy formulation for the Division and for UNCTAD as a whole; advising the UNCTAD Secretary-General on policy matters within area of competence;

• Undertakes representational and advisory missions on behalf of the Secretary-General of UNCTAD and the Director of the Division;

• Undertakes general management and administration of the Branch, and acts as Officer-in-charge of the Division as required;

• Plans and supervises the substantive servicing of intergovernmental bodies dealing with issues of global interdependence from a development perspective, and macroeconomic and development policy issues, notably the Trade and Development Board;

• Maintains contacts with delegations, officials of other intergovernmental organizations concerned and experts in the subject matters of concern to the Branch;

Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge of global macroeconomic and development issues. Ability to lead research activities of a Branch and produce high quality reports and papers, as demonstrated in a relevant publication record. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates 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.

• 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.

• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

• 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.

• Building Trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to others; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Economics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A Ph.D. in Economics is desirable.

Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, including research and analysis on global economic issues, particularly on macroeconomic and development questions, is required. Out of these, preferably at least seven years should have been acquired in an international organization and/or academia. Experience leading research teams and coordinating flagship publications is also required. Peer-reviewed publications in the areas of global macroeconomic and development issues are desirable. Experience in using quantitative tools and methods would be an advantage.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or other working languages of the UN Secretariat is desirable.

Job summary