Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the duties of the Economic Affairs Officer fall mainly into one of the three functional areas identified below. Economic research and analysis: • Monitors economic developments in the area of global macroeconomic and financial trends of importance for developing countries and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations. • Designs and conducts research and analytical studies on the macroeconomic and financial aspects of the global climate financing needs, as well as the climate and development retrofit of the global financial architecture. • Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to area of work. • Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others. • Advises government officials on issues pertaining to the work of the Unit. • Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions. • Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues. • Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff. Intergovernmental support • Provides substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies. • Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings. Technical cooperation: • Designs and monitors technical cooperation projects. • Undertakes missions to member states, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of the Organization’s technical cooperation activities. • Prepares global, regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on economic development issues. • Conducts training seminars and workshops for government officials and others. • Formulates technical modalities for the evaluation of individual technical cooperation projects. General • Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback. • Participates in intra- and inter-Departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit. • Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s service. • Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of macroeconomic and financial development challenges of developing countries and how these relate to climate finance issues, particularly regarding their implications for possibilities of climate-resilient development. 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 identify and develop 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.

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.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required. Experience in economic research and policy analysis of macroeconomic and financial trends and their implications for climate finance and development is desirable. A publication record on these topics is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.