Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Trading Systems, Services and Creative Economy Branch of the Division on International Trade and Commodities at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is dedicated to promoting the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization focuses on trade, investment, and sustainable development, and operates in over 190 countries with a mission to support developing nations in their efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth and development. UNCTAD employs a diverse workforce of professionals from various backgrounds, contributing to its mission of fostering inclusive and sustainable development through trade and economic policies.

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in analyzing economic trends and issues related to international trade, particularly focusing on South-South trade among developing countries. This position requires the officer to monitor and report on emerging issues in trade, assess policy implications for sustainable development, and apply econometric models to analyze data. The officer will draft technical papers and analytical studies, attend international meetings to gather information, and assist in organizing expert group meetings and seminars. The role also involves preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies and supporting technical cooperation activities related to trading systems. The officer will be expected to contribute to the development of training seminars and documentation for technical cooperation projects, ensuring that the objectives of the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries (GSTP) are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: monitoring and assessing international trade issues, particularly those affecting South-South trade; interpreting and adapting econometric models for analysis; drafting inputs for technical papers and studies; identifying and analyzing policy proposals related to South-South trade cooperation; attending and reporting on intergovernmental meetings; preparing speeches and presentations for senior staff; participating in technical cooperation activities and missions; organizing training seminars for stakeholders; preparing documentation for technical cooperation programs; and performing various administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of GSTP COP outputs. The officer will also be expected to undertake training activities and contribute to the overall objectives of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in economic research and analysis, with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields. This includes experience in policy formulation and the application of economic principles in development programs. Additionally, candidates should have experience in international and South-South trade for sustainable development, as well as in monitoring and supporting trade agreements among developing countries. Experience in managing trade-related technical cooperation projects is also desirable. The role requires a high level of professionalism, accountability, and creativity in addressing complex economic issues.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform the duties of the Economic Affairs Officer effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, with a focus on policy formulation and the application of economic principles in development programs. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of experience specifically related to international and South-South trade for sustainable development. Experience in negotiating and implementing trade agreements among developing countries, as well as managing trade-related technical cooperation projects, is highly desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, both of which are required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency at UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages. Additionally, knowledge of either Arabic, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), or Russian is considered desirable, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level I in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the United Nations' commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging female candidates to apply. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Candidates will undergo reference checks and may be subject to an initial probationary period of one year if selected. The job opening will be removed from the Careers Portal at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.