Economic Affairs Officer

United Nations
New York - United States
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Policy Analysis and Monitoring Branch (PAMB), Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA). The Office of the Special Adviser on Africa is responsible for mobilising international cooperation in support of the New Partnership for Africa's Development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in Africa and coordinating UN system-wide support for NEPAD. Further information is available on the following website http://www.un.org/en/africa/osaa. The incumbent will report to Chief of the Branch, under the general guidance from the Director.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Monitors economic development in Africa and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations.
• Conducts analytical studies of selected issues on African economic development and draft resulting reports.
• Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to African economic development, focusing on sustainable development
• Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies on African development issues.
• Attends international and regional meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions on issues related to Africa's economic development and write follow-up reports
• Organizes expert group meetings, panel discussions, seminars, etc. on African development issues.
• Prepares speeches, talking points, briefing notes and other inputs for presentations by senior management; drafts background papers, sections of reports, studies and inputs to publications, etc
• Provides technical and policy advice on: (1) the New Partnership for Africa's Development; (2) the Regional Coordination Mechanism; and (3) the Interdepartmental Task Force on Africa Affairs on development issues in the context of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union's Agenda 2063 and its First Ten-Year Implementation Plan.
• Provides substantive support on African economic development, including sustainable development issues to intergovernmental bodies such as covering meetings, preparing notes for the file, etc., which contribute to inputs to the reports of the Secretary-General.
• Represents the Branch/Office at international and regional meetings and write follow-up reports.
• Supports junior staff in reviewing their work and providing feedback.
• 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 identify and develop 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 degree) in economics, business administration or related field. 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 New Partnership for Africa's Development or other economic development programs for African countries is desirable. Experience in intergovernmental processes is desirable.

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

Job summary