ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

This position is located in the Trade Analysis Branch, Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Head of the Branch.

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

Economic or sector analysis

• Develops socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or ad hoc assignments.
• Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts econometric models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions.
• Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of trade and economic development.
• Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions.
• Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues.
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Technical cooperation

• Participates in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team.
• Organizes training seminars for national experts.
• 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, 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.

• Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of trade and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on trade economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing 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.
• 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in economics or related field in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of five (5) 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 working with international trade and trade policy data including non-tariff measures is desirable. Experience in the quantitative analysis of data using econometric methods and statistical packages (e.g. Stata) is desirable. At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project management and administration, including organization of meetings and financial aspects is desirable.

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

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