Senior Economic Affairs Officer, P-5

UNOHRLLS - United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

New York, United States

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS). The Office is mandated to mobilize and coordinate international support and resources for the effective implementation of the Programmes of Action for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, enhance its monitoring and follow-up and raise awareness and advocate with respect to their special needs. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Policy Development and Coordination, Monitoring and Reporting Service, under the overall guidance of the Director.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following: Economic or sectoral analysis:

Leads or participates in the formulation, organization and management of mandated programmes of economic analysis and the formulation of possible economic strategies, policies and actions, including flagship reports, analytical papers, and policy briefs related to the priorities of Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States for adoption by the international community.
Leads or participates in the identification of new or emerging development issues of potential concern to the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States particularly those of a regional or global nature, and designs and develops programmes to address them.
Supervises a team of staff economists and statisticians undertaking this work.
Commissions economic studies and analyses that cannot be undertaken internally.
Conceives, plans and manages expert group meetings, seminars and similar consultations that contribute to the monitoring of the implementation of Programmes of Action for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Finalizes reports on development for issuance by the United Nations.
Prepares speeches for senior staff and makes presentations on economic issues for specialist or non-specialist audiences.

Intergovernmental support:

Provides direct substantive support on development issues to intergovernmental bodies such as the General Assembly, and the Economic and Social Council, by offering strategic advice, giving technical guidance and assisting in developing a consensus.
Manages the work unit’s contribution to the preparation and management of meetings of intergovernmental bodies.
Represents the organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings on development issues.

Programme support:

Contributes to the formulation of the medium-term plan, the programme of work and the budget of the unit and participate in the formulation of the organization's overall programme of work and other similar endeavours.
Attends to various administrative matters concerning the larger organizational branch.
Performs other related duties as required.

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. Ability to provide policy advice to address challenges related to sustainable development of Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. Ability to develop economic policies and make recommendations on their implementation. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
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.
Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.
Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or related field is required. 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. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. Phd in economics is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles and econometric analysis in development programmes or related area is required.
Experience in data analytics, modelling, econometrics, or related area is required.
At least five years of experience in quantitative research in economic development is desirable. Experience working with international organizations as well as intergovernmental process is desirable.
Experience in analysing sustainable development challenges of Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, Small Island Developing States and providing related policy advice is desirable.
Experience in preparation of speeches for senior staff on economic issues for specialist or non-specialist audiences is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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