This post is located within the Emerging and Conflict Related Issues Section (ECRI) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)- The Economic Affairs Officer reports directly to the Team Leader of the Emerging Trends and Conflict Mitigation Unit, and will be under the overall supervision of the Chief of ECRI.
The Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for carrying out the following
Economic and/or Sector Analysis
- Develops socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or ad hoc assignments;
- Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts econometric models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyze the effects of alternative policies and assumptions;
- Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of economic development ;
- Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics;
- 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;
Intergovernmental Support
- Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies;
- Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports;
- Prepares inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings;
- Assists in the organization of panels, round tables etc- on conflict and development issues for intergovernmental processes;
Technical Cooperation
- 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;
- Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects;
General
- Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit's services;
- 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; 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.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or related field- A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree- A PhD in a relevant field is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations- Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA- For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required, Fluency in written and oral Arabic is desirable.
Assessment Method
The candidates will undergo a written assessment and a competency-based interview- Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Special Notice
Priority consideration for vacancies at the P3 level will be given to internal candidates and candidates who have passed a competitive examination- 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.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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- (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8)- The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
employment-escwa@un.org
