Economic Affairs Officer - P3

United Nations
Geneva - Switzerland
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies (DGDS), Debt and Development Finance Branch (DDFB), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva.

Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Head of the Debt and Development Finance Branch (DDFB), Division on Globalization and Development Strategies (DGDS), the incumbent:

Economic or sector analysis
•Develops socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for thematic assignments in the area of domestic and international resource mobilisation for development, including illicit financial flows, with a focus on related themes in the Financing for Development Follow-Up process Agenda 2030, and on vulnerable developing countries.
•Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts quantitative and statistical data processing methods and macroeconomic models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions, in the above areas.
•Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of economic development, primarily in the above areas..
•Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics.
•Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions.
•Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues.
•Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support
•Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies.
•Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports in the above areas.
•Prepares inputs to statements by members of the UNCTAD Secretariat staff to such meetings.
•Assists in the organization of panels, round tables etc. on development issues for intergovernmental processes.

Technical cooperation
•Participates in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team.
•Organizes training seminars for national experts in the above areas.
•Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects.

General
•Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit's services.
•Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally. of the work unit's services.
•Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.


Competencies

•Professionalism: Strong knowledge of macroeconomic theory and policy debates on current issues pertaining to national and international, public and private, financial resource mobilisation for development, including illicit financial flows; An advanced understanding of empirical and conceptual issues raised by the workings of the global macroeconomy, including international financial markets, and for structural transformation in developing countries; Ability to conduct independent empirical research on economic topics in these and related areas and to determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows advanced skills in processing relevant data and in applying suitable quantitative and econometric methods and macroeconomic modelling tools. 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.

•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.

•Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) 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 is required, preferably including the application economics principles, concepts and methods to macroeconomic development issues, financial resource mobilisation for development, and to international financial markets. A relevant publication record, including in peer-reviewed academic journals, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Job summary