Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, established in 194

• Its mission is to contribute to the economic and social development of the region by designing, monitoring, and evaluating public policies. ECLAC provides advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supports regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. The organization operates across 25 countries and territories in the Caribbean, focusing on regional integration, trade, and finance. For more information, visit www.eclac.org.

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer position is critical for monitoring and analyzing economic developments related to regional integration, trade, urban development, and development finance in the Caribbean. The officer will engage with senior policymakers to address macroeconomic challenges and will conduct research to draft policy recommendations aimed at supporting small developing economies. This role requires a strong analytical background and the ability to apply macroeconomic and econometric modeling techniques to interpret economic data and trends. The officer will also be responsible for organizing expert meetings, preparing reports, and providing policy advice to stakeholders, ensuring that the economic needs of small states are addressed effectively. The position demands a proactive approach to engage in discussions at various levels, including international and regional meetings, to represent ECLAC's interests and findings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Monitoring economic developments related to regional integration, trade, urban development, and development finance, identifying issues of concern to small developing economies, and drafting policy recommendations.
• Conducting and coordinating research and analytical studies on relevant topics, with a focus on the Caribbean region.
• Analyzing macroeconomic performance and proposing structural transformations for small developing economies.
• Engaging with senior policymakers to discuss policy options for addressing macroeconomic challenges.
• Designing and drafting reports on selected issues in regional integration, trade, and economic development.
• Applying econometric modeling techniques to analyze economic prospects and policies.
• Organizing expert group meetings and seminars on development issues.
• Preparing speeches and presentations for senior staff.
• Providing policy advice to stakeholders on regional integration, trade, and development finance. 1
• Supporting junior staff by reviewing their work and providing feedback. 1
• Participating in broader departmental initiatives and performing administrative tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in economic theories and concepts, particularly as they relate to sustainable development. The ability to conduct independent research and assess the validity and accuracy of data from various sources is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. A strong understanding of gender perspectives in economic analysis is also important.

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 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, and the application of economic principles in development programs. Experience in gender-responsive analysis and the use of sex-disaggregated data is required. Desirable experience includes regional integration, trade negotiations, and development finance. Proficiency in economic software such as STATA, R, SPSS, Python, or MATLAB is also desirable, along with experience in econometric modeling techniques, including traditional linear time series, cross-sectional, non-linear regression, and machine learning models. Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related area is preferred.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. Candidates should consult the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international travel to member states for missions. The role is classified at a senior level, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires flexibility and adaptability. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN standards, and the organization is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity in its workforce.