Economic Affairs Officer, P3

Economic Affairs Officer, P3

UNCTAD - United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Geneva, Switzerland

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the E-Commerce and Digital Economy Branch of the Division on Technology and Logistics in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of the Digital Economy Policy Research Section. The focus of this position is to contribute to UNCTAD’s policy research and analysis work on e-commerce and the digital economy for development, related statistical work and on relevant intergovernmental activities.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Economic or sector analysis:

• Develops databases and qualitative information related to e-commerce and the digital economy;
• Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts econometric models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions;
• Organizes surveys to collect data and information on e-commerce and the digital economy and designs data collection tools as needed;
• Drafts specified inputs for the Digital Economy Report, technical papers and analytical development studies on e-commerce and the digital economy concerning selected global, regional, national or sector aspects;
• Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics;
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect and share 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 related to e-commerce and the digital economy;
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support:

• Assists in the organization and servicing of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on E-commerce and the Digital Economy;
• Assists in the organization and servicing of the UNCTAD Working Group on Measuring E-commerce and the Digital Economy;
• 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 development issues for intergovernmental processes.

Technical cooperation:

• Participates in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team;
• Organizes and contributes to training seminars for national experts on policies for and measurement of e-commerce and the digital economy;
• Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects as appropriate;
• 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 and approaches relevant to trade and sustainable development, especially with regard to the role of digitalization. Demonstrated knowledge and skills related to analyzing e-commerce and the digital economy from a development perspective. 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;
• 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;
• 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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics or 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation is required;
• Experience in the areas of e-Commerce and the digital economy in a national or international organization is desirable.

Languages

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

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