ASSOCIATE ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER (2 positions)

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Associate Economic Affairs Officer supports the extra-budgetary project “Enhancing Traceability of Sustainable Value Chains in critical sectors for the green transition in the UNECE region and beyond” and reports to the P4, Economic Affairs Officer.

Responsibilities

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

Economic and/or sector analysis:

• Interprets and analyses qualitative socio-economic information obtained from a variety of sources pertaining to environmental, social and governance (ESG) transparency and traceability of sustainable value chains.
• Prepares briefing notes, inputs to speeches and similar material on economic or sector issues in a form that is meaningful to non-specialists.

Intergovernmental support:

• Assists senior staff in the servicing of the UNECE Team of Specialists (ToS) on Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Transparency and Traceability for Sustainable Value Chains (VC) for the Circular Economy (CE) – ToS ESG VC CE.
• Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental and expert bodies.
• Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports and similar material.
• Prepares inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings.
• Assists in the organization of panels, round tables, etc., on development issues for intergovernmental processes.

Technical cooperation:

• Compiles and analyses data and other information necessary for the preparation of technical cooperation project proposals in the area of economic development.
• Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects.
• Contributes to the preparation of material for approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects.
• Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.

General:

• Performs other related duties as required necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services.
• Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of economic theories and their application. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to undertake research, analyse data, make recommendations and write reports on ESG transparency and traceability of sustainable value chains. Shows pride in work and 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 equal participation of both sexes 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 consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work. Realizes risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job-Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (3) years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, and application of economic principles to development programmes or related areas is required. At least one (1) year of experience in ESG transparency and traceability of sustainable value chains is required. Work experience in the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, English is required. Either French or Russian is desirable.

Required Languages:

• English: UN Level III

Desirable Languages:

• French: UN Level II
• Russian: UN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise that might be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The appointment against this position is limited to the Economic Commission for Europe. The candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited”) in accordance with administrative instructions. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued mandate and availability of funds. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of 'internal candidate' are eligible to apply.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of academic and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural or ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving the 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have violated human rights or committed any acts of sexual misconduct. The term 'human rights' includes the full, fair, and equal rights to employment, protection, public safety, etc. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting staff on as broad and equitable basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants to accommodate certain needs, to support their participation is under law in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2. Further, staff members in the Professional category and Field Service are normally moved to different duty stations on a periodic basis under conditions established to meet the requirements. Because of their family circumstances, staff members who are parents of newborn children may be eligible to leave, so long as they meet the current applicable conditions and timeframes.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.