ASSOCIATE ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

This position is located in the Sustainable Transport Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. The Associate Economics Affairs Officer reports to the Economics Affairs Officer (P-4) / Secretary of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC) and is under the overall supervision of the Director of the Transport Division (D-1).

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

Economic and/or sector analysis:

• Collects, evaluates, interprets, analyses specified statistics and qualitative socio-economic information obtained from a variety of sources and pertaining to particular sectors, countries, regions or development topics.
• Maintains databases and programmes for database management and organizes non-quantitative information.
• Assists in the design, testing, operation and modification of econometric models.
• Prepares briefing notes, inputs to speeches and similar material on economic or sector issues in a form that is meaningful to non-specialists.
• Prepares first drafts of sector, country or regional components of analytical studies on development issues and policies.
• Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc on development issues.

Intergovernmental support:

• Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental 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.

General:

• Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services.
• Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.
• Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Assists with the implementation of the initial ITC Climate Action Plan of the ITC Strategy on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Inland Transport (ITC Decarbonization Strategy), in particular with preparatory tasks for the implementation of action no. 15, including research to initiate the preparation of a pilot national action plan.
• Reviews the mandates and governance models of existing legal instruments administered by ITC.
• Supports the biennial reporting on the implementation of the ITC Decarbonization Strategy.
• Supports the ITC 2030 consultations as mandated by ITC at its 88th session.

Professionalism: Knowledge of the transport sector and decarbonization of inland transport. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to undertake research, analyse data, make recommendations and write reports. 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 the 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.

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, law 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.

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 in the field of the transport sector and decarbonization of inland transport is required. Experience in servicing relevant international meetings, including the drafting of reports is desirable. Experience in supporting intergovernmental negotiations is desirable. 1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable.

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