Senior Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), an organization established to promote the integration of developing countries into the global economy. UNCTAD focuses on trade, investment, and development issues, providing a platform for dialogue and policy-making among member states. The organization aims to foster sustainable development through economic growth and equitable trade practices. UNCTAD operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing global economic challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Economic Affairs Officer plays a crucial role in leading economic analysis and formulating strategies related to debt and development finance. This position involves overseeing the development of economic policies and strategies that address both external and domestic debt issues, as well as global financial markets. The officer is expected to identify emerging economic issues and design programs to tackle them, while also supervising a team of economists. The role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex economic concepts effectively to various audiences, including intergovernmental bodies and senior officials. The officer will also be responsible for preparing reports and presentations, contributing to the organization's overall program of work, and managing technical cooperation initiatives with member states.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Economic Affairs Officer's responsibilities include leading the formulation and management of economic analysis programs, identifying new debt and development issues, supervising staff economists, commissioning external economic studies, and organizing expert group meetings. The officer will provide substantive support to intergovernmental bodies, manage contributions to meetings, and represent the organization at various international forums. Additionally, the officer will develop relationships with senior government officials, negotiate technical assistance programs, and coordinate cooperation among member states. The role also involves contributing to the unit's medium-term plan and budget, as well as handling administrative matters related to the organizational unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in economics, with the ability to apply economic theories and concepts to sustainable development. The role requires independent research capabilities, the ability to evaluate data from various sources, and the development of economic policies. Professionalism, effective communication, teamwork, vision, and the ability to empower others are essential competencies for this position. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and inclusivity in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or a related field is required. 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 crucial for understanding complex economic issues and formulating effective policies.

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. Relevant experience in debt and development finance is essential, along with a background in evaluating debt and financial sustainability models in developing countries. Previous experience providing policy advice in these contexts is also desirable, highlighting the need for a seasoned professional in this role.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of either French, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in these languages, as effective communication is critical in this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, and if the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The role is subject to funding availability and may be limited to internal candidates. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of integrity and ethical standards in its recruitment process, ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment.