Economic Affairs Officer - P4

United Nations
New York - United States
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Development Cooperation Policy Branch of the Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. OESC provides substantive support and promotes consensus in the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly. In this capacity, the branch reviews trends and progress in international development cooperation and actively engages the range of actors in evidence-based policy dialogue, through the work of the ECOSOC Development Cooperation Forum (DCF). DCPB also supports the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR) process and Operational Activities Segment of ECOSOC, to ensure that the United Nations development system is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and effectively supporting its implementation. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Development Cooperation Policy Branch. More information can be found on the ECOSOC website: https://www.un.org/ecosoc/en/.

Responsibilities
Within the limits of delegated authority, the Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

(i) Review, monitor, produce analysis and provide advice on trends in international development cooperation policy and in operational activities of the United Nations system, identifying emerging trends and issues, including in relation to adaptation of institutions and policies in support of priorities of developing countries, the mobilization and optimal use of all means of implementation, and the quality, effectiveness and impact of development cooperation for sustainable development and climate action;

(ii) Undertake quantitative and qualitative analysis on trends in South-South cooperation; conduct policy-oriented research and identify emerging issues in South-South cooperation;

(iii) Design and conduct surveys, analyses and evaluations of operational activities for development, as well as the overall effectiveness and functioning of the United Nations system at the country level, in support of the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR);

(iv) Draft reports to the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, as well as develop draft policy recommendations on development cooperation and on United Nations system's operational activities for development, and support Member States in their consultations and deliberations on these issues, including through formal and informal intergovernmental meetings, workshops and symposiums;

(v) Represent the Branch or Office in interdepartmental and inter-agency meetings, working groups and task forces and participate in international, regional and country level meetings;

(vi) Perform other related duties as required, including providing support to senior United Nations staff and officials, supporting and reviewing work of junior staff, and a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the services provided by the Branch.

Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of a wide range of issues concerning development cooperation activities in general. Knowledge of economic and social development issues. Knowledge of the United Nations' operational work, its approaches, tools and policy orientations. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics. 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 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.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in economics, public administration, international affairs 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 seven 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 the area of development cooperation is required. Experience in drafting analytical reports is desirable. Experience in a developing country and/or experience related to United Nations system's country-level development cooperation activities is also desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Job summary