Economic Affairs Officer

United Nations
Geneva - Switzerland
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.

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Transport Networks and Logistics Section of the Sustainable Transport Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
The incumbent works under the direct supervision by the Chief of Section, and overall and indirect supervision by the Director of the Division.

Responsibilities
1. Provides secretariat services for the Working Party on Transport Statistics of the Inland Transport Committee (WP.6) and its ad hoc Working Groups and ad hoc Meetings on Road Traffic Censuses. Represents the Division within the Inter-Agency Secretariat for transport statistics of UNECE, OECD/International Transport Forum and Eurostat.

2. Organizes the annual compilation of transport statistics from all ECE member countries, maintains and updates the relevant databases using the appropriate information technology (IT). Supervises and actively contributes to the preparation of the statistical publications of the Division, including the Bulletin of Transport Statistics for Europe and North America and the Statistics of Traffic Accidents in Europe and North America and the annual leaflet for the Inland Transport Committee.

3. Prepares and contributes to analytical reports on transport trends and developments in the ECE region on the basis of information gathered from Governments and international organizations for consideration by the appropriate intergovernmental bodies serviced by the Division.

4. Prepares analytical reports on substantive areas dealt with by the Inland Transport Committee on the basis of data collected in the Bulletin of Transport Statistics for Europe and North America, the Statistics of Traffic Accidents in Europe and North America as well as of other sources.

5. Provides statistical data and analytical input to support the work of CO2 reduction and traffic safety using the For Future Inland Transport Systems (ForFITS) and related tools.

6. Organizes on a quinquennial basis data collection related to the E-road and rail censuses carried out in ECE countries, the maintenance of the relevant databases and delivery of the relevant publications, including hard copy, CD-ROM and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application.

7. Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor including technical capacity building of governments where necessary.

8. Represents the ECE secretariat at conferences and other meetings of international governmental or non-governmental organizations in the field of transport statistics and data base development.

Competencies
•Professionalism: Excellent technical knowledge in the field of statistics including knowledge and understanding of relevant methodologies used in transport statistics and the manner in which they are applied. 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.

•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.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in economics and/or in 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in research oriented work, either working with governments or with international organizations, in the field of transport economics and/or statistical methodologies is required. Extensive experience in the preparation of analytical reports on transport issues, with particular reference to the use of statistics and in the processing of statistical information is required. Advanced data processing and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) skills including the development of data bases is required. Experience in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications is an advantage.

Languages
English and French are the two working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English or French and knowledge of the other is required. Knowledge of Russian is an advantage.

Job summary