Economic Affairs Officer - P4

United Nations
New York - United States
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS). Subprogramme 1 of the Office is mandated to mobilize and coordinate international support and resources for the effective implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action, enhance its Monitoring and follow-up and raise awareness and advocate with respect to the special needs of the least developed countries. The incumbent reports to the Chief, Subprogramme 1, under the overall guidance of the Director. For more information, see: http://unohrlls.org

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
He/she will monitor the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the decade 2011-2020, assess socio-economic performance of LDCs against the internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the Programme and in the Post-2015 Development Agenda, undertake research and analysis of the development trends in LDCs.
She/he will monitor and provide substantive assistance to the intergovernmental processes, including the General Assembly, ECOSOC, Group consultations and United Nations conferences on LDCs.
He/she will prepare the Secretary-Generals annual progress reports on the implementation of the Programme and other Secretary-General's reports on socio-economic issues.
He/she will be responsible for mobilizing the programmes and activities of UN system organizations, relevant international regional and subregional organizations in support to the LDCs and the Programme for LDCs;
He/she will prepare publications, statements, presentations, background and issue papers, briefing materials, talking points and minutes of the meetings, and represent the Office at various inter-agency and expert meetings.
He/she will also organize and conduct trainings, seminars and workshops for government officials of LDCs. He/she will participate in planning and assist in the preparation of the unit's work plan and budget requirements.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the development issues of the least developed countries along with excellent research, statistical and analytical skills. Demonstrated understanding of the political environment and the programmes and activities of the UN system as they relate to the least developed countries. 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. Ability to identify and develop 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, development studies, international relations or in a 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles related to the work of the Office of the High Representative, of which at least 3 years should be at multilateral/international levels, is required. Experience in working with international organizations as well as intergovernmental processes is desirable.

Languages

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

Job summary