Economic Affairs Officer, Geneva

• Organization: UNCTAD - United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
• Country: Switzerland
• City: Geneva, Switzerland
• Office: UNCTAD Geneva
• Grade: P-3

Closing date: Sunday, 26 July 2015

Posting Title: Economic Affairs Officer, P3
Job Code Title: ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
Department/ Office: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
Duty Station: GENEVA
Posting Period: 27 May 2015-26 July 2015
Job Opening number: 15-ECO-UNCTAD-43025-R-GENEVA (R)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notice
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.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Branch, Division on International Trade in Goods and Services and Commodities, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Head of the Branch, the Economics Affairs Officer will perform the following duties: Economic or sector analysis

• Conducts policy-oriented research on international trade including new and emerging issues of particular interest to developing countries, trade policy formulation and implementation, the international trading system, including multilateral and regional trade negotiations, services economy and trade, by developing or drawing on economic databases and qualitative, quantitative information.
• Compiles, processes and interprets economic and trade data to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions.
• Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sectoral aspects of the aforementioned topics, including services policy reviews.
• Identifies and analyses policy proposals relating to the aforementioned topics.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to monitor developments in the international trading system, trade negotiations and trade policies, to collect information and to hold discussions with policymakers and colleagues in other institutions.
• Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings and seminars on the aforementioned topics.
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support

• Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies such as the General Assembly, Trade and Development Board, Trade and Development Commission and expert meetings.
• 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 and round tables for intergovernmental processes.

Technical cooperation

• Participates in technical cooperation activities and missions relating to the aforementioned subjects.
• Organizes training seminars for national and regional experts.
• Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects.
• Contributes to the preparation of material for regional, country or sectoral technical cooperation projects and activities.
• Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.

General

• Performs other duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the effective delivery of the Branch's services.
• Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts to the analysis of trade policy, the international trading system and trade negotiations, including services economy and trade. Ability to conduct independent research on these economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Good understanding of WTO Agreements. Shows skill in data collection and analysis. 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. Proven publication record. Ability to use relevant computer technology and analytical software including for economic analysis and presentation packages
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 AND 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
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or related area. 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 progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis in trade policy and international trading system, multilateral and regional trade negotiations of interest to developing countries is required. Experience with WTO Agreements and rules and regional trade agreements, including hands-on experience in assisting developing countries with trade policy and trade negotiations is required. Experience with servicing intergovernmental meetings and with trade-related technical cooperation programmes including for LDCs and African countries, is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the French and Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
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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.