Senior Economic Affairs Officer

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.

Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move(s) requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral
move(s) in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Committee for Development Policy Secretariat in the Development Policy and Analysis Division (DPAD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Division is mandated to provide analysis of global economic trends and macroeconomic policies, and analysis of strategies and policies for long term development, and serves as the Secretariat for the Committee for Development Policy. The incumbent will report to the Chief of the Committee for Development Policy Secretariat Unit.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the duties of the Senior Economic Affairs Officer are the following:

- Leads and participates in the formulation, organization and management of economic analysis related to the work of the CDP, including the issues related to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the formulation of possible economic development strategies, policies and actions for adoption by the international community in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Leads or participates in the identification of new or emerging sustainable development issues, of potential concern to the international community, particularly those of a global nature and relevant to the LDCs, and provides analytical inputs on development policies to address them.
- Supervises staff assisting in the research and analysis related to the work of the Unit.
- Assists the Chief of Unit in the commissioning of economic studies in the context of sustainable development and analyses that cannot be undertaken internally.
- Formulates plans and manages expert group meetings, seminars and similar consultations that contribute to the Unit's analytical work and outputs.
- Finalizes reports of the Unit on issues related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for issuance by the United Nations.
- Prepares speeches for senior staff and makes presentations on economic issues, in the context of sustainable development, for specialist or non-specialist audiences.
- Provides direct substantive support on development issues to intergovernmental bodies (such as the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council) by offering strategic advice, giving technical guidance and assisting in developing a consensus.
- Manages the Unit's contribution to the preparation and management of meetings of intergovernmental bodies.
- Represents the Unit at international, regional and national meetings on sustainable development issues.
- Develops and maintains relations with officials of LDC governments and ensures a response to requests for advice and/or assistance on issues related to the LDC category, graduation and the smooth transition from the category.
- Leads or participates in capacity development activities of the Unit and related missions.
- Contributes to the formulation of the medium-term plan, the programme of work and the budget of the Unit/Division and participates in the formulation of the overall programme of work and other similar endeavours.
- Attends to various administrative matters concerning the Unit and the Division.
- Performs other related duties as required.

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. Ability to develop economic policies and make recommendations on their implementation. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• EMPOWERING OTHERS: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.

• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in economics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required. Experience in research and analysis related to the least developed countries (LDCs) category is desirable. Experience in organising expert group meetings (EGMs) and intergovernmental processes on issues relevant to economic policy and analysis is desirable.

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