Economic Affairs Officer - P3

United Nations
New York - United States
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.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Global Economic Monitoring Unit (GEMU) of the Development Policy and Analysis Division (DPAD), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Division is mandated to provide strategic and policy support to Member States in the areas of macroeconomic policies. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Unit.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Global Economic Monitoring Unit, the Economic Affairs Officer is responsible for the following duties:
• Monitors economic developments in a group of countries, with special attention to macroeconomic trends, such as growth, employment, inflation, international trade and capital flows, and macroeconomic policy stance.
• Prepares research-based inputs for one of the Department's flagship reports, the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP).
• Designs and conducts economic analysis of selected issues and drafts reports, such as the Global Economic Outlook, and/or research papers based on the results of the analysis.
• Maintains and updates econometric models and database for the use of monitoring, forecasting and policy simulations and identifies current and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations.
• Attends conferences, including expert groups meetings, making presentations and maintaining effective working relations with academic institutions, international organizations, regional commissions and other UN Offices.
• Prepares briefing notes and other inputs for the presentations for the SG and other senior officials.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of economic theories and their application. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources, make recommendations and write reports. 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 two additional years of 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. Experience working with econometric and modelling software is required.

Languages

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

Job summary