Economic Affairs Officer - P3

United Nations
Niamey - Niger
S: Competitive

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him
or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their
careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. UNECA is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Sub-regional Office for West Africa (SRO-WA) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbent works under the guidance of the Director of the Office and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Sub Regional intiatives.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

Economic and social analysis
• Collect information to prepare country and sub-regional profiles that include risk analysis for African member States under the purview of the SRO-WA;
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of sub-regional repositories of statistical information that feed into the ECA common databank and support all analytical and research needs of the Commission;
• Determine the data needs and requirements for the work of the SRO-WA:
• Organize, design, plan and carry out the collection, evaluation, analysis, compilation and dissemination of statistical data by selecting methods of data collection, selecting and implementing methods for checking the collected data;
• Work with socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for regular and ad hoc analysis of national, sub-regional, and regional societal and developmental trends and challenges;
• Draft inputs for policy papers, research and analytical studies on selected global, national, sub-regional, regional issues;

Intergovernmental support
• Assist in the organization of panels, round tables etc. on development issues for intergovernmental processes;
• Prepare inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies, such as AU, UEMOA and ECOWAS and prepare summary reports;
• Provide advisory services to the member States, the RECs and NGOs in West Africa in his/her area of responsibility;
• Conduct analytical and assist member countries in assessing progress towards internationally agreed development goals; intergovernmental and expert group meetings.

Technical cooperation
• Contribute to the building of the capacity of and strengthening of the relationship between ECA and National Statistical Offices in the countries of the sub-region;
• Participate in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team;
• Prepare documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects;
• Contribute to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects;
• Monitor, backstop and assess the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.

General
• Contribute to and promote the results of the ECA's policy-oriented research;
• Attend national, sub-regional, regional, and international meetings to coordinate and share information with colleagues in other institutions;
• Assist in the organization and servicing of intergovernmental meetings, expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on economic issues;
• Prepare speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff;
• Perform other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the SRO; and Act as backstopping officer for SRO-WA related work.

Competencies

Professionalism
*Ability to apply economic theories and concepts to economic, inclusive and sustainable development issues related to developing countries.
* Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources.
* Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter
* Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results
* Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns
* Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges
* Remains calm in stressful situations.
* 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.

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.

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..

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, business administration, statistics, or related field is required. 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 development policy, economic research, policy analysis and formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required.
* Experience at the international level is desirable.
* Experience in analyzing trends and policy challenges emerging in developing countries and knowledge society is desirable.
* Experience in writing analytical policy papers is an asset.

Languages

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

Job summary