Economic Affairs Officer - P3

United Nations - UNCTAD
New York - United States
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) New York Office. The incumbent will focus on development economics, macroeconomics, international economics (trade, finance and investment), and sustainable development economics. The Economics Affairs Officer reports to the Chief, UNCTAD New York Office and overall guidance by the Chief of the Office of the Secretary-General of UNCTAD.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the duties of an Economic Affairs Officer in UNCTAD New York Office are the following:

ECONOMIC OR SECTOR ANALYSIS:
- Develops socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or ad hoc assignments.
- Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts economic models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions.
- Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected trade –related issues and economic development dimension of trading system.
- Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to trade and development.
- Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions.
- Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues.
- Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT:
- Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies falling in the area of responsibility of UNCTAD.
-Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports.
- Prepares inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings, especially Second Committee, ECOSOC and GA.
- Liaises on behalf of UNCTAD with government representatives, relevant committees, and agencies among others
- Conducts briefings for government representatives and others on UNCTAD activities
- Assists in the organization of panels, round tables etc. on development issues for intergovernmental processes.

TECHNICAL COOPERATION:
- Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects.
- Support the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects.

GENERAL:
- Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit's services.
- Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing sources for data collection. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Job summary