Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the International Tax and Development Cooperation Branch (ITDCB) of the Financing for sustainable-development-office" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) under the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The FSDO is dedicated to advancing policy and action on financing for sustainable development, supporting Member States and stakeholders in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The organization provides thought leadership, promotes multistakeholder dialogue, identifies policy options and best practices, and offers strategic advice and support for capacity development in key areas. The ITDCB plays a crucial role in international tax cooperation and domestic resource mobilization, contributing to the overall mission of the United Nations to foster global economic development and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer will provide technical and substantive support to the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters. This role involves conducting substantive research and analysis on emerging international tax issues, preparing technical papers and guidance documents, and designing capacity development activities that translate Committee guidance into actionable tools for tax policymakers and administrators in developing countries. The officer will monitor economic developments in international taxation, engage in analysis, draft inputs for reports, and develop policy recommendations related to domestic resource mobilization and international tax policy. The position requires participation in international, regional, and national meetings, organizing expert group meetings, and preparing speeches and presentations for senior staff. The officer will also support junior staff and participate in broader departmental undertakings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Monitoring economic developments in international taxation and identifying emerging issues of concern to the UN and its Member States.
• Designing and conducting studies on selected tax issues and engaging in analysis to draft inputs for UN reports.
• Developing draft policy recommendations and practical guidance on domestic resource mobilization and international tax policy.
• Formulating proposals for development strategies and policies for presentation to intergovernmental bodies.
• Attending international, regional, and national meetings to discuss development issues with representatives of other institutions.
• Organizing expert group meetings and seminars on development issues.
• Preparing speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.
• Providing substantive support to the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters and its Subcommittees.
• Designing and monitoring technical cooperation projects and undertaking missions to member states. 1
• Conducting training seminars and workshops for government officials. 1
• Supporting junior staff and reviewing their work. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, tax policy formulation, and application of economic principles in development programs. Experience in international tax cooperation issues, including cross-border taxation, is essential. Candidates should also have experience in tax treaties or transfer pricing, as well as in both tax policy design and practical implementation guidance. Familiarity with the work of the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters is desirable, along with experience drafting technical guidance documents and policy papers.

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 work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of economic theories and their application in sustainable development contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, tax policy formulation, and the application of economic principles in development programs. Candidates must have experience in international tax cooperation issues, particularly in cross-border taxation, and should have worked on tax treaties or transfer pricing. Experience in both tax policy design and practical implementation guidance is necessary, along with familiarity with the work of the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters. Additionally, experience drafting technical guidance documents and policy papers for government officials is desirable.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a desirable language, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the United Nations framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded through extrabudgetary resources and is initially for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. External candidates selected for this position will undergo an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.