Economic Affairs Officer - P3

United Nations
New York - United States
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Development Cooperation Policy Branch of the Director of the Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and reports directly to the Chief of the Development Cooperation Policy Branch (DCPB).

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority and under the general supervision of the Chief of the Development Cooperation Policy Branch, the Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

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 econometric models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions.
• Maintains and updates databases on ODA and funding of the United Nations system, as well as qualitative information necessary for preparing the report on the funding of the United Nations system operational work and other reports;
• Maintains and updates web-based resources of the OESC/DCPB websites,
• Liaises with colleagues in other divisions, the UN system and other partners for information, coordination and collaboration in relevant areas of work;
• Undertakes research and analysis on key trends, policy and related issues on operational activities for development as part of QCPR implementation;
• Designs and conducts surveys, studies and evaluations to assess the relevance, coherence, efficiency and effectiveness of UN operational activities for development;
• Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics.
• Coordinates and undertake activities to interface as needed between OAD and DCF streams of the branch
• Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of economic 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 briefing notes, speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support
• Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies.
• Prepares inputs for reports to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the General Assembly on the operational work of the United Nations system and on trends and issues in development cooperation, notably on funding;
• Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports.
• Prepares inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings.
• Assists in the organization of panels, round tables etc. on development issues for intergovernmental processes.

Technical cooperation
• Participates in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team.
• Organizes training seminars for national experts.
• Assists in the organization and servicing of meetings, including expert group meetings, symposiums or interagency meetings, as well as panels and roundtables on development issues, notably on financing of the United Nations system, for ECOSOC and the General Assembly;
• Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects.
• Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects.
• Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and 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.

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.

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

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Job summary