Senior Economic Affairs Officer

Senior Economic Affairs Officer

UN Departments

January 28, 2026March 13, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Policy Analysis and Development Branch of the Financing for sustainable-development-office" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The FSDO is dedicated to providing effective secretariat support for the sustained follow-up and implementation of outcomes from International Conferences on Financing for Development, as well as facilitating the means of implementation for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The office plays a crucial role in addressing global economic challenges and promoting sustainable development through financial strategies and policies. More information about the office can be found at their official website.

Job Overview:
The Senior Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for leading and participating in the formulation, organization, and management of mandated programs focused on economic analysis related to financing for sustainable development. This role emphasizes public financial management, international tax cooperation, and public expenditure. The officer will identify emerging development issues that concern the international community and design programs to address these issues. The position requires supervising a team of economists, commissioning external economic studies, and managing expert group meetings and seminars to finalize outputs. The officer will also prepare speeches and presentations on economic issues for various audiences, ensuring that the work aligns with the strategic goals of the United Nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Economic Affairs Officer include:
  • Leading the formulation and management of economic analysis programs on financing for sustainable development, focusing on public financial management and international tax cooperation.
  • Identifying new development issues and designing programs to address them.
  • Supervising a team of economists and managing their work.
  • Commissioning external economic studies when necessary.
  • Planning and managing expert group meetings and seminars.
  • Finalizing reports for issuance by the United Nations.
  • Preparing speeches and presentations for senior staff on economic topics.
  • Providing substantive support to intergovernmental bodies on development issues, including drafting terms for reference for a United Nations framework convention on international tax cooperation.
  • Managing contributions to intergovernmental committee meetings and representing FSDO at various international meetings.

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. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of economic theories and concepts, particularly in sustainable development contexts. They must also show the ability to conduct independent research and develop economic policies.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in economics or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of relevant work experience may be considered acceptable in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to perform the duties of the role effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, and the application of economic principles in development programs is required. Candidates should have experience in policy analysis related to fiscal policy and international tax cooperation. Additionally, at least five years of experience in research and policy analysis on global or regional financing for sustainable development policies is desirable. Experience in publishing work on these topics and servicing intergovernmental negotiations is also preferred.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. This bilingual requirement reflects the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and is essential for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded through extrabudgetary resources and is initially for a period of one year, subject to availability of funds and budgetary approval. External candidates will undergo a probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization adheres to strict standards of integrity and efficiency, and candidates with a history of violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law or misconduct will not be considered for employment. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the United Nations does not request any fees from applicants.
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