Assistant Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Division of Production, Productivity and Management of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. ECLAC was established in 1948 with the mission to contribute to the economic and social development of the Latin American and Caribbean region. The organization focuses on the design, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies, providing advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supporting regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. ECLAC operates in multiple countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, working towards sustainable development and addressing the challenges faced by the region. For more information, you can visit their official website at www.eclac.org.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Economic Affairs Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the Economic Affairs division by engaging in various functions related to economic or sector analysis, intergovernmental support, technical cooperation, and data analysis. The officer will assist in identifying key economic issues, developing studies, and drafting reports that contribute to the understanding of economic development in the region. This position requires participation in international, regional, and national meetings, where the officer will support discussions and provide inputs for presentations by senior staff. The role also involves preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies, organizing panels and workshops, and contributing to technical cooperation projects aimed at advising national governments on economic development issues. The officer will be expected to analyze data, identify trends, and present findings in a clear and effective manner, thereby aiding decision-making processes within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Assistant Economic Affairs Officer include:

• Economic or Sector Analysis: Assisting in identifying recurring and emerging economic issues, developing studies, drafting reports, attending meetings, organizing expert group meetings, and preparing speeches for senior staff.
• Intergovernmental Support: Preparing inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies, summarizing meetings, and assisting in organizing panels and round tables on development issues.
• Technical Cooperation: Supporting senior staff in preparing technical cooperation projects, participating in training seminars, and assisting in the implementation of technical cooperation activities.
• Data Analysis: Contributing to data collection and analysis, identifying trends, preparing reports and dashboards, and supporting team members in data verification and routine reporting tasks.
• General Responsibilities: Participating in meetings, performing administrative tasks, and undertaking training activities as required. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of study, along with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of economic theories and their application, as well as the ability to conduct research, analyze data, and write reports effectively. Professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize work efficiently are essential qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or a related field. In cases where applicants hold a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying work experience to be considered for the position. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of economic development and for effectively contributing to the organization's objectives.

Experience:
For applicants with an advanced university degree in a relevant field, professional work experience is not required. However, for those with a first-level university degree, a minimum of two additional years of qualifying work experience is necessary. Desirable experience includes at least one year in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, and the application of economic principles in development programs. Experience in data analytics or related areas, as well as in science, technology, and innovation policy formulation, administration, or evaluation, is also considered advantageous.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum required level of proficiency in these languages, as outlined by the UN Language Framework. This proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify the contract duration, seniority level, or whether it is full-time or part-time. However, it is important to note that the position is part of the United Nations system, which typically offers competitive compensation and benefits packages. The role may involve international recruitment, given the nature of the organization and its operations across multiple countries in the region.