Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Technology and Innovation Policy Research Section, Technology, Innovation and Knowledge Development Branch, Division on Technology and Logistics of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Head of Branch.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following functions:
Economic or sector analysis:
- Monitors developments in science, technology and innovation (STI) and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern;
- Designs and conducts studies of selected issues in STI for economic development and drafts chapters of the Technology and Innovation Report;
- Interprets and applies results of econometric modelling to analysis of economic prospects and policies;
- Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to STI;
- Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others;
- Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions;
- Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on STI and development issues;
- Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.
Intergovernmental support:
- Provides substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies (such as the General Assembly, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Economic and Social Council, the Trade and Development Board, the Commission on Science and Technology for Development and the UNCTAD Commission on Investment, Enterprise and Development);
- Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings.
Technical cooperation:
- Conducts training seminars and workshops for government officials and others;
- Participates in the technical cooperation activities of the Branch.
General:
- Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback;
- Participates in intra- and inter-Departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit;
- 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.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts especially in the field of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Ability to identify and develop 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.
Education
- 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.
Work Experience
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required;
- Significant policy research experience as evidenced by a strong publication record is desirable;
- Experience in substantive servicing of formal intergovernmental meetings of the United Nations is desirable.
Languages
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
Application instructions
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