Senior Economics Affairs Officer

United Nations
Geneva - Switzerland
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is located in the Unit for Economic Cooperation and Integration among Developing Countries of the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Senior Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of the Unit.

Responsibilities
The Senior Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Develops a work programme to build and maintain a robust analytical and quantitative framework for analyzing the rise of new growth poles in the South, the implications for regional economic integration, and the impact on national and global economic trends and prospects.
• Employs that framework to explore the macroeconomic and structural impacts of rising intra and inter regional flows of trade, investment, capital and technology, and the policy, institutional and coordination challenges this will give rise to at the national, regional and global levels by taking a leading role in research and analysis, providing advisory assistance, organizing and servicing intergovernmental policy dialogue, initiating analytical studies and building networks of economic researchers.
• Initiates and coordinates research and analysis on the distribution of economic gains from closer interdependence among developing countries and design effective policy and institutional responses to ensure those gains spread across all countries and communities in the South.
• Builds a strong network of economic researchers, from inside and outside the UN system, to work collaboratively on issues of interest to the Unit.
• Provides advisory support to developing countries on the linkages required to strengthen South-South economic integration and related cooperation programmes.
• Initiates research on new and emerging issues with a South-South dimension, designs possible research programmes to address such issues.
• Organizes and services intergovernmental policy dialogue, such as expert group meetings or ad hoc expert groups, to promote consensus on and identification of development-oriented policy options for strengthening economic integration and cooperation among developing countries.
• Supervises and finalises the research output of the Unit, and provide feedback to junior staff.
• Assists the Chief of Unit with Human Resources management of the unit, including the preparation and management of resources from both the regular budget and extra-budgetary sources, PAS procedures and vacancy management.

Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: In-depth knowledge of international economic issues and development, particularly regarding their implications for economic cooperation and integration among developing countries and for the work of UNCTAD in this area, as demonstrated by a strong publications record, including in academic volumes and journals, related to the work of the unit. Proven ability to lead the research and other activities of the Unit. 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.

• 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.

• LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education
Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in economics or related field. A Ph.D. in economics or related field is desirable. 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
At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience related to international economic and development issues, including in particular in the areas of global and regional economic integration. Experience in the research and analysis of issues related to trade and development and the related areas of finance, investment, technology, regional trade agreements and/or sustainable development is desirable, as demonstrated by a strong record of peer-reviewed publications. At least three years of experience undertaking quantitative analysis on the topics related to integration and cooperation among developing countries is desirable. At least three years of experience in leading a team of researchers 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.

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