Org. Setting and Reporting

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonisation of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialised agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This post is located within the ECONOMIC SHARED PROSPERITY Cluster (ESP) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Cluster Leader of ESP reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary.

Responsibilities

The Cluster Leader of ECONOMIC SHARED PROSPERITY Cluster (ESP) will be responsible for carrying out the following: 1. Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the ECONOMIC SHARED PROSPERITY Cluster (ESP) with special emphasis on macro and microeconomic sectoral policies, integrated socio-economic development, economic projections and forecasting, and regional integration and globalization; 2. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Project Coordinators, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Cluster and ESCWA, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate; 3. Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of the ECONOMIC SHARED PROSPERITY Cluster (ESP) under his/her responsibility. Co-ordinates the work carried out by different Key Result Areas under the Cluster and by other agencies and bodies of the United Nations system, League of Arab States (LAS) and other regional organizations; provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others. 4. Assists the Executive Secretary in preparing position papers and statements and contributes to the preparation of ESCWA relevant inputs to the Secretary-General Reports. Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to the Secretary-General, as well as to intergovernmental bodies such as the Committees on Financing for Development and the relevant LAS Ministerial Councils, ESCWA Commission, Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate; 5. Reports to intergovernmental bodies on issues related to economic development and globalization and on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports. 6. Ensures that the outputs produced by the Cluster maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Project Coordinators under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates; 7. Undertakes the preparation of the work programme of the Cluster, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; 8. Provides in-depth analysis of, and follow up on, Financing and Debt Issues, regional economic agreements, multilateral trading system, Greater Arab Free-Trade Area (GAFTA) and other bilateral agreements, follow-up on the progress made towards the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals; 9. Leads, supervises and carries out activities and studies related to socio-economic developments in the region, trends in the global financial architecture reform, innovative financing instruments, world trade environment, globally and in the region, in the context of sustainable economies and inclusive growth, trade liberalization, regional integration and facilitation of transboundary flows and assesses their implications for the ESCWA region, indicating the policy, actions and adaptations needed to achieve them; 10. Conducts and provides substantive guidance to research on major economic issues facing the ESCWA/Arab States region, including economic reform, fiscal sustainability, economic governance, equity and income distribution, knowledge economics and sources of growth. Leads/coordinates the preparation of ESCWA flagships and recurrent publications; 11. Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Cluster, including ensuring that programmed activities/outputs are carried out in a timely fashion, preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting; 12. Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical and gender balance; 13. Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision; 14. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Cluster and across organizational boundaries; 15. Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars; 16. Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions; 17. Represents the Cluster at international, regional or national meetings.

Competencies

Professionalism: Expert knowledge in socio-economic development, globalization and regional integration issues in general, and in Arab States/ESCWA countries in particular, and a publication record on the Arab Region in referred economic journals. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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& 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. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, economics, economic development, economic integration or other related area is required. PhD is desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, international trade, or related areas is required: including experience in leading initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth fostering shared economic prosperity across diverse regions. A minimum of ten years of experience with a strong focus on the economic challenges and opportunities within the Arab region is required: including experience in international economic policies and frameworks that promote inclusive and sustainable prosperity on a global scale. A minimum of five years of experience engaging and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders including governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society is required: including experience in building partnerships, fostering dialogue, and aligning diverse interests toward achieving economic development objectives. Proven managerial experience is required: including experience leading teams and overseeing programs/projects effectively and experience in strategic leadership, resource management, and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, ensuring the achievement of organizational objectives while promoting staff development and performance excellence. A minimum of ten years of experience in the design, implementation, and oversight of programs or projects, particularly in areas such as economic policy, financial systems, and trade, is desirable: including experience translating strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring impactful results. A minimum of ten years’ experience in economic analysis and evidence-based policymaking is desirable: including experience in utilizing modern economic tools and data-driven approaches to inform policy decisions, leading initiatives that drive economic growth, reduce inequality, and promote long-term prosperity through rigorous analysis and strategic foresight. A minimum of ten years of professional experience working within the Arab region is desirable: including experience in the region’s economic landscape, challenges, and opportunities. A minimum of ten years of experience in the design, implementation, and oversight of programs or projects, particularly in areas such as economic policy, financial systems, and trade, is desirable: including experience translating strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring impactful results.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required and fluency in written and oral Arabic is desirable. NOTE: “Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ” Knowledge of” equals a rating of ” confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include one or more assessments which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available for 364 days. • Recruitment, selection or extension of appointments against this position will be subject to budgetary approval. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. • 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 recommendation or selection decision for this position shall be void if the recommended or selected candidate does not obtain a clearance according to ST/SGB/2005/7 on designation of staff members performing significant functions in the management of financial, human or physical resources.• Staff members appointed to the current position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter.

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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.