ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and Reporting

The post is located in the Sustainable Energy Division (SED) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Geneva. SED works to promote attainment of sustainable energy in the region. Under the general supervision of the Director, Sustainable Energy Division, and reporting to the Section Chief, Sustainable Energy, the incumbent is responsible for servicing Groups of Experts under the Committee on Sustainable Energy. Groups of Experts are to carry out concrete, results-oriented activities that are to be developed and implemented with active participation of UNECE member States, representatives from the energy, business and financial sectors and civil society, international organizations, independent experts and academia. Groups of Experts concentrate on: (a) regulatory and policy dialogue; (b) developing and sharing best practices and eventually standards; and (c) assessment and dissemination of policies in support of sustainable energy. The incumbent is to ensure full and complete support of activities to deliver on work plans and instructions from the relevant Groups of Experts.

The incumbent assists in broader implementation of UNECE sustainable energy sub-programme, technical assistance projects, and extra-budgetary fundraising. The incumbent designs, researches, and/or provides oversight on policy analyses and preparation and dissemination of studies on sustainable energy. The incumbent is expected to work with a significant degree of independence, seeking advice from Section Chief and Director when necessary. The objectives of the post are to encourage cooperation and joint action among member States on matters relating to energy-related sustainable development and climate goals, working with non-UNECE member States, international organizations, the private sector, industry organizations, NGOs, and academia to seek opportunities for international cooperation an assist countries in formulating relevant policies and programmes to meet future energy requirements in an environmentally and socially acceptable way and to collaborate with other relevant programme managers on the design and implementation of the programme of the Committee on Sustainable Energy. Duties include the management of subsidiary bodies of the Committee on Sustainable Energy, oversight of general service, junior professional and seconded staff, consultants, contractors, and grant recipients, as well as participation in the recruitment process of staff and consultants. The incumbent undertakes missions to member States, either alone or as a participant on a team as needed for the assigned duties.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:

- As secretary of a Group of Experts, leads, coordinates and manages the Group and, in this context, develops and maintains an excellent rapport with the elected Bureau and members of the Group. This includes identifying additional Bureau members and liaising with the missions, capitals and colleagues in order to strengthen the Group.
- Prepares all pre- and post-session documents for the Groups of Experts’ meetings, including at a minimum work plans and their deliverables, agendas and session reports.
- Drives implementation of the approved work plan. Provides thought leadership and prepares information and material to identify key activities and elements for the Group of Experts. This duty spans all areas related to sustainable energy based on respective work plans and mandates. It involves monitoring developments in the field of sustainable energy and identifying issues of concern.
- Develops value-added activities on sustainable energy, co-ordinates and prepares studies, papers or inputs on key issues on sustainable energy, promoting exchange of know-how and best practices. Organizes events (for conferences, workshops, seminars, etc.) to promote sustainable energy activities of UNECE and build capacity in sustainable energy in UNECE member States. Prepares technical cooperation project concept notes and/or proposals undertaken under the auspices of the Committee on Sustainable Energy to facilitate the convergence of legal, regulatory, and policy measures. Supports the development of policy recommendations pertaining to the sustainable development and use of sustainable energy, access to modern energy services, and the development and fuller integration of the energy economies and energy infrastructure of member States. Formulates proposals for strategies, policies and measures, including the development of norms, standards, and guidelines.
- Contributes to raising funds or in-kind contributions, and to coordinating the use of these resources or possible projects in support of UNECE energy activities.
- Regularly updates the UNECE SED website and contacts database in relation to the work of the Group of Experts.
- Improves outreach related activities of the Group of Experts to allow a progressive demonstration of the Group of Experts' contribution to meeting member States' needs. Prepares presentations, speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior UNECE staff and Bureau members.
- Strengthens the network of international energy experts and liaises with stakeholders to exchange information, best-practices and lessons learned to coordinate cross-sectoral technical cooperation activities and to provide regular information on activities to avoid duplication. Develops, negotiates, drafts and coordinates cooperation agreements and activities with partner organizations.
- Identifies opportunities for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals related to energy, the regional and national implementation of climate agreements and encourages cooperation with key stakeholders. Coordinates the Sustainable Energy Division contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
- Coordinates with colleagues in programme planning, monitoring and evaluation, in particular for the performance evaluations and reporting.
- Participates in undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of UNECE. Performs other duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the Division's services.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts on energy topics, conduct independent research and produce reports. 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.

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.

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, sustainable development, engineering, technology or energy-related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years progressively responsible relevant experience in energy, renewable energy and sustainable development; demonstrated experience in project management, servicing committees and activities is required.

At least four years of relevant experience in energy strategy, energy policy setting, or a related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and Russian is a working language of ECE. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

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

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 2022, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

United Nations Considerations

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, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, 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. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

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.

No Fee

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.