Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Programme Management Unit, Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Inter-regional Adviser (IRA) will work under the direct supervision of the Director. The Division is mandated to provide research and policy analysis on global macroeconomic trends and long-term development issues to the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council, to support Member States in their efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, to serve as the Secretariat of the Committee for Development Policy, including through assessments and support for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) graduation from that category, especially in the context of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA). More information on EAPD can be found on https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/. The services of the IRA aim to ensure the provision of high-level technical expertise, the transfer of knowledge from global entities to Governments on policy-related issues and development strategies and the formulation, assessment or evaluation of projects and programmes. The IRA is a member of DESA’s IRA Network. The services of the IRA need to comply with intergovernmental guidance on the use of the Regular Programme on Technical Cooperation (RPTC), when appropriate, and with strategies and guidance concerning capacity development activities endorsed by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and supported by the Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO).

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Director, the incumbent: • Provides policy advice online and/or through short-term field missions to Governments and other relevant stakeholders in developing countries, particularly LDCs, upon their request on aspects related to the development progress of LDCs and issues related to graduation from the LDC category and/or the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs for the Decade 2022-2031. • Monitors, studies and analyzes the trends and best practices related to LDCs and graduation form the LDC category and prepares inputs and policy advisory notes to inform governments and relevant intergovernmental processes. • Contributes to the design/redesign of national policies and strategies upon requests from LDCs related to the use of LDC-specific support measures and graduation from the category and for the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the DPoA. • Support Governments of countries graduating from the LDC category and other stakeholders in the preparation and the implementation of strategies to ensure a smooth transition from the LDC category (Smooth Transition Strategies), in line with intergovernmental recommendations. • Liaises and coordinates relevant activities with Resident Coordinator Offices in LDCs. • Provides leadership in the design of capacity development programmes, projects and activities at national, regional and global levels and contributes to implementation, monitoring and evaluation as well as reporting on these initiatives. • Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels. • Makes substantive contributions to global/regional/sub-regional/national workshops, seminars, and other training events, including proposals concerning agenda topics, possible participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Contributes to the Department’s resource mobilization strategies, notably as far as extra-budgetary funding is concerned. • Assumes other tasks in the area of expertise and in line with capacity development guidance as requested by the supervisor. • Develops and updates capacity development materials for online and in-person training related to international support measures and smooth transition in the context of LDCs for use by different stakeholders. • Liaises with relevant professional networks and makes relevant external capacity development resources available to DESA. • Establishes and nurtures close relationships with various stakeholders in view of creating partnerships related to LDC graduation and smooth transition. • Provides inputs for the normative and advocacy functions of the Division based on the capacity development expertise.

Competencies

Professionalism: In general: a) Shows pride in work and achievements; b) demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; c) is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; d) is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; e) shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; d) remains calm in stressful situations. In particular, DESA is looking for staff with the following technical competence: 1) a high-level technical expertise in the relevant specialty of development planning, trade and economic policy analysis particularly in the context of the LDCs; 2) proven experience working either directly with developing country governments, or in an advisory capacity to such a governments as part of an international organization; 3) familiarity with LDC-related policies, programmes and activities of UN funds and programmes, global funds, International Financial Institutions etc. and (potential) donors, including member states; 4) familiarity with concepts and approaches related to capacity development in the LDC graduation context; 5) proven ability to transfer knowledge and insights from UN System’s analytical work to country level applications; 6) proven ability in building partnerships with national institutions and civil society organizations involved in the development process; 7) taking responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning and Organizing: a) Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; b) identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; c) allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; d) foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; e) monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; f) uses time efficiently; g) proven ability in preparing robust project proposals within realistic financial envelopes; h) conversant with Result-based Budgeting/Result-based Management (RBB/RBM) approaches and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) approaches. Creativity: a) Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; b) offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; c) promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; d) takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; e) takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; f) is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, development economics, social sciences or related field.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, particularly in the area of trade, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required. At least four (4) years of professional experience related to policy advisory work in developing countries, preferably in LDCs, are desirable. Experience in project design and implementation as well as with the application of economic, social and/or environmental impact assessments is required. Experience in formulating strategies and policies for the economic development of least developed/low income countries is desirable. Experience in developing and implementing capacity development projects in least developed/low income countries on behalf of international organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This Job Opening refers to a specialized inter-regional adviser position. The initial appointment is for one year. Annual renewal of appointment is subject to endorsement by an internal Departmental Panel on the continued need for the technical specialty depending on updates to DESA’s priorities in the area of capacity development, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The maximum duration of the assignment as IRA is three years. 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. 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. 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.

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.