ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

This position is located in the Unit for Economic Cooperation and Integration among Developing Countries (ECIDC) in the Division of Globalization and Development Strategies (DGDS), at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva. The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Senior Economic Affairs Officer of the Unit.

Within delegated authority and working directly with the Senior Economic Affairs Officer of the Unit, the incumbent will undertake research and analysis and provide advisory assistance on the emerging Southern economies and their economic interdependence, the development opportunities and policy challenges this creates and the links between South-South integration and regional and global economic developments. The incumbent will perform the following specific duties:

Economic Research and Analysis
•Leads and coordinates quantitative research and analytical studies on the trade and industrialization dimensions of Southern growth and integration, paying particular attention to the opportunities and challenges associated with regional value chains.
•Takes a lead role in preparing inputs for reports being prepared by the Unit on trade and industrialization dimensions of South-South integration and cooperation.
•Leads and coordinates quantitative research on the links between South-South trade integration and economic diversification within the project “South-South Integration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Enhancing Structural Transformation in Key Partner Countries of the Belt and Road Initiative”.
•Prepares policy recommendations on how to build stronger trade, investment and technology linkages among developing countries to support economic diversification.
•Prepares and coordinates policy briefs on South-South trade and industrialization issues.

Intergovernmental Support
•Assesses developments and discussions in regional and multilateral economic institutions, including the WTO, with likely impacts on South-South trade.
•Collaborates with other parts of UN System working on issues of South-South trade and industrialization cooperation and provides advisory assistance as requested.
•Takes a lead role in organizing inter-governmental meetings, workshops. panels and training seminars undertaken by the Unit.

General
•Supervises junior staff and consultants, reviewing their work and providing feedback.
•Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the Unit’s service.

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of trade and industrial development, and how these relate to international economic issues and development, particularly regarding their implications for economic cooperation and integration among developing countries. 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. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Strong research and drafting skills and the ability to translate research into policy recommendations. 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.

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

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience related to economic development issues, including in particular cooperation and integration among developing countries. Experience in economic research and policy analysis of trade and industrial development with a focus on economic integration and development is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Chinese would be an advantage.

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

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.