Economic Affairs Officer - P3

United Nations - Economic Commission for Africa
Addis Ababa - Ethiopia
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Investment Policy Section, Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) of the Economic Commission of Africa (ECA). The Economic Affairs Officer usually reports to the Chief of the Investment Policy Section of RITD.
Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the duties of an Economic Affairs Officer are likely to fall mainly into one of the three functional areas below.

ECONOMIC OR SECTOR ANALYSIS:
• Monitors economic developments in a defined area and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations.
• Designs and conducts studies of selected issues in economic development and drafts resulting reports.
• Interprets and applies results of econometric modelling to analysis of economic prospects and policies.
• Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to area of work.
• Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentationto intergovernmental bodies and others.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions.
• Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues.
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT:
• Provides substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies (such as the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Trade and Development Board, the regional commissions and the subsidiary bodies each).
• Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings.

TECHNICAL COOPERATION:
• Designs and monitors technical cooperation projects.
• Undertakes missions to member states, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of the Organization's technical cooperation activities.
• Prepares global, regional, and national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on economic development issues.
• Conducts training seminars and workshops for government officials and others.
• Formulates technical modalities for the evaluation of individual technical cooperation projects.

GENERAL:
• Participates in intra- and inter-departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit.
• 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.

WORK IMPLIES FREQUENT INTERACTION WITH THE FOLLOWING:
Staff within work unit/section, counterparts in other UN, regional and global development organizations.
Senior officials in government, academia and research institutions.

RESULTS EXPECTED
Prepares in-depth qualitative and quantitative analyses of diverse aspects of the development challenges faced by developing countries and economies in transition; formulates sound policy proposals; recommends project activities; develops well-designed programmes of analysis of development issues.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• PLANNING AND 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent or PhD) in economics, business administration, finance and investments or related fields. 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. Knowledge and experience of the issues related to investment and investment policy is desirable. Experience in Africa or on Africa related issues is an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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