About this role

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). 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 duties of an 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 inter-governmental processes.

Technical cooperation:

Compiles and analyses the 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 the 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 environmental, social and governance (ESG) transparency and traceability of sustainable value chains. 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.
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 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

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or related to economics or a 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.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required. At least one (1) year of experience in environmental, social and governance (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 job opening, English is required. Either French or Russian is desirable.