Senior Economic Affairs Officer - P5

United Nations - Economic Commission for Africa
Niamey - Niger
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Economic Commission for Africa/Sub-regional Office for West Africa (UNECA), in Niamey (Niger). The Chief, Sub Regional Data Center, reports to the Director.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Chief of Sub regional Data Center will perform his/ her duties in the four functional areas identified below:

Economic or sectoral analysis
• Collects and analyses data, and leads or participates in the formulation, organization and management of mandated programmes of economic analysis and the formulation of economic strategies, policies and actions for adoption by the international community.
• Leads or participates in the identification of new or emerging development issues of potential concern to the international community, particularly those of a regional or global nature, and designs and develops programmes to address them.
• Supervises a team of staff economists undertaking this work.
• Commissions economic studies and analyses that cannot be undertaken internally.
• Conceives plans and manages expert group meetings, seminars and similar consultations that contribute to the finalization of the work unit's outputs.
• Finalizes reports on development for issuance by the United Nations.
• Prepares speeches for senior staff and makes presentations on economic issues for specialist or non-specialist audiences.

Intergovernmental support
• Provides direct substantive support on development issues to intergovernmental bodies by offering strategic advice, giving technical guidance and assisting in developing a consensus.
• Manages the work unit's contribution to the preparation and management of meetings of intergovernmental bodies.
• Represents the organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings on development issues.

Technical cooperation
• Develops and maintains relations with senior officials of member governments and ensures a response to requests for advice and/or assistance on economic issues and policies.
• Negotiates with donor and recipient governments on technical assistance programmes and projects.
• Organizes and coordinates cooperation among Member States on economic programmes or issues.
• Leads or participates in technical cooperation missions.

Programme support

• Functions as the head of an organizational unit.
• Contributes to the formulation of the medium-term plan, the programme of work and the budget of the unit and participate in the formulation of the organization's overall programme of work and other similar endeavours.
• Attends to various administrative matters concerning the larger organizational unit (Section or Division).
• Performs other related duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Staff within unit/section and department/regional commission.
Staff throughout the organization.
Senior officials in other UN organizations and regional and international development banks.
Senior officials in Member State, Universities and Research Institutions.
Results Expected:
Develops and produces sound analysis and practical policy advice to address the development problems of developing countries and economies in transition. Independently approaches work, seeking advice from chief or director only when necessary. Advises and provides leadership to junior staff.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to collect and analyze data and to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Ability to apply quantitative economic analysis methods. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, documented by publications in recognized journals, determines 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.

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.

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.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Managing Performance: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to others; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent, Ph.D is highly desirable) in economics, statistics, 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 ten years of progressively responsible experience in data collection and analysis, economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes, with a strong focus on quantitative methods. An advanced knowledge in economic modeling and econometrics will be an asset. Qualifying years of Experience are calculated following the receipt of the first-level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

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. Working Knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of another official language is an advantage.

Job summary