Associate Economic Affairs Officer, Entrepreneurship (Temporary Job Opening)

This position is located in the Entrepreneurship Section, enterprise Branch, Division of Investment and Enterprise of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Associate Economic Affairs Officer will report to the Chief of Section.

Within delegated authority, the duties of the Associate Economic Affairs Officer include:

Economic and/or sectoral analysis:

• Collect, evaluate, interpret, analyse specified statistics and socio-economic information obtained from a variety of sources and pertaining to particular sectors, countries, regions or development topics related to enterprise development and entrepreneurship ;
• Maintain databases and programmes for database management and organize non-quantitative information;
• Prepare briefing notes, inputs to speeches and similar material on economic or sectoral issues in a form that is meaningful to non-specialists;
• Prepare first drafts of analytical studies on development issues and policies, especially in the area of enterprise development and entrepreneurship;
• Assist in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc on development issues.

Intergovernmental support:

• Provide support to intergovernmental processes dealing with development issues by:
• preparing inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies;
• following intergovernmental meetings and preparing summary reports and similar material particularly in the areas of enterprise development and entrepreneurship;
• preparing inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings;
• assisting in the organization of panels, round tables etc. on development issues for inter-governmental processes.

Technical cooperation:

• Compile and analyse the data and other information necessary for the preparation of technical cooperation project proposals in the areas of enterprise development and entrepreneurship under the Empretec programme;
• Organize workshops and awareness raising events, including on the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence;
• Prepare documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects;
• Contribute to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sectoral technical cooperation projects;
• Monitor, backstop and assess the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.

General:

• Perform other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services;
• Undertake on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

• Professionalism – Good understanding of entrepreneurship development and the use of artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship; good drafting ability; good understanding of economic theory and development issues; skill in developing sources for data collection; ability to analyse data; ability to plan and organize own work and to work in support of and in cooperation with others. 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.
• Communications - 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.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, development studies 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.

A minimum of two 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 as per the above in the field of entrepreneurship is required. Experience in the provision of technical assistance in enterprise development, including the use artificial intelligence in entrepreneurship, is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Spanish or Arabic or Russian or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable.

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