Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the New York Office of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The incumbent will provide support to the integration of UNCTAD'S overall programme on trade and development as well as its interrelated issues in the areas of finance, technology, investment and sustainable development. The Economic Affairs Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Chief, UNCTAD New York Office, and will receive the overall guidance of the Director, Office of the Secretary-General of UNCTAD.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
Economic or sector analysis:
- Monitors economic developments in the area of work of UNCTAD and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the work programme of UNCTAD;
- Works together with substantive Divisions for the formulation of relevant policy recommendations, messaging and dissemination activities for use in New York processes resulting from UNCTAD’s work. Identifies opportunities for dissemination of UNCTAD’s work and needs for inputs of UNCTAD and makes relevant recommendations to management and substantive Divisions. Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to the programme of work of UNCTAD in New York;
- Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to stakeholders in New York, particularly the Second Committee, regional groups and individual delegations, in consultation with colleagues in Geneva;
- Attends international, regional, and national meetings, in particular those held in New York to hold discussions with representatives of various stakeholders and contribute the perspective of UNCTAD’s work;
- Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on issues of relevance to the work programme of UNCTAD;
- Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by the SG or DSG of UNCTAD, Chief of the New York Office, or as required, by UNCTAD Directors.
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 regional commissions and the subsidiary bodies of each);
- Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings.
General:
- Takes a lead in the coordination of a communication and outreach stream to UNCTAD stakeholders in New York with colleagues responsible for communications in the UNCTAD secretariat and with substantive Divisions. Conducts training seminars and workshops for member State representatives and other stakeholders in New York;
- Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback;
- Participates in UNCTAD-wide, UN Secretariat-wide or inter-agency undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of UNCTAD;
- Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the New York Office;
- Acts as officer-in-charge of the New York Office in the absence of the Chief;
- Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Sound knowledge of international economic development issues from a multilateral perspective. Excellent knowledge of the political context of development policy-making. 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;
- CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics, political science, international relations or a related field is required. A first-level university degree 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;
- Experience in advising officials on development policy formulation, either through intergovernmental processes or directly providing advice to policy makers, is desirable;
- Experience in drafting substantive communication materials and in their wide dissemination is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
Application instructions
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