ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER (TJO)

This position is located in the Energy, Housing and Land Management Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

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

Economic or sector analysis

• Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected aspects of projects, operations and other activities in the area of sustainable energy, including renewable energy and cleaner electricity systems. and with the particular focus on energy connectivity in Central Asia.
• Develops qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or ad hoc assignments, including analysis of regional energy cooperation frameworks, interconnection projects, and infrastructure gaps in Central Asia.
• Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics with attention to policies and regulatory frameworks that enable regional electricity markets, interconnectivity, and energy system integration.
• 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

• Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects, in particular the extrabudgetary projects on “Energy Connectivity in Central Asia” and the Project on “Water and Energy Nexus in Central Asia”.
• Identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions.
• Liaises with relevant parties, identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• 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.

General

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

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on 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.
• 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.

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

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management and administration, economic research and analysis, policy formulation is required. Experience in the field of sustainable energy, particularly with a focus on regional electricity markets, energy connectivity, and energy system integration is desirable. At least two years of experience working in the United Nations Common System is desirable.

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

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