Economic Affairs Officer - P3

United Nations
Santiago - Chile
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Division of Economic Development. The Economics Affairs Officer reports to the Director of the Division of Economic Development. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. It was founded in 1948 with the purpose of contributing to the region's economic and social development. Its mission includes the design, monitoring and evaluation of public policies and the provision of advisory services, expertise and training to Governments, as well as support for regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. Please visit our website at www.eclac.org for further information.

Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Division Director, the Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

ECONOMIC AND/OR SECTOR ANALYSIS:
•Develops socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or ad hoc assignments.
•Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts econometric models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions.
•Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of economic development.
•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.
•Prepares inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and 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.
•Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects.
•Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects.
•Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and 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.

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. Shows skill in developing 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.

•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.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics is required. A first-level university degree in combination with 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 in macroeconomy, macroeconomic and econometric modelling is desirable. Work experience related to the economic development of Latin America and the Caribbean is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in Spanish and English is required. Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.

Job summary