Economic Affairs Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS). Subprogramme 1 of the Office is mandated to mobilize and coordinate international support and resources for the effective implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries, enhance its monitoring and follow-up and raise awareness and advocate with respect to the special needs of least developed countries. The incumbent reports to the Senior Programme Management Officer, Subprogramme 1, under the overall guidance of the Chief. 

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for:

Economic or sector analysis:

• Monitors economic and social developments in least developed countries and identifies recurrent and emerging issues related to the effective implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries.
• Designs and conducts studies of selected issues in economic development and draft resulting reports especially related to enhancing access to education in science, technology, engineering and math in LDCs.
• Interprets and applies results of econometric modelling to analysis of economic prospects and policies.
• Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to area of work.
• Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions.
• Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues.
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support

• Provides substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies (such as the General Assembly, and the Economic and Social Council)
• Represents sub-programme 1 at international, regional and national meetings.

General

• Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback.
• Participates in intra- and inter-Departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the Subprogramme .
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.)

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the development issues of the least developed countries and demonstrated research and analytical skills. Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development, including in the area of education. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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.
• 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) in economics, international relations, finance, public administration 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.
• Two years or more of experience in quantitative research on economic development is desirable.
• Experience working with international organizations as well as intergovernmental processes is desirable.
• Experience in analyzing sustainable development challenges of least developed countries and providing related policy advice is desirable.
• Experience in programme budget preparation is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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