Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Affairs Officer position is located within the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). UNECE was established in 1947 and is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote pan-European economic integration and sustainable development. The organization operates in 56 member states across Europe, North America, and Central Asia, focusing on various sectors including trade, transport, and environmental sustainability. UNECE employs a diverse workforce of approximately 300 staff members, working collaboratively to address economic challenges and foster cooperation among member states.

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the extra-budgetary project aimed at enhancing traceability of sustainable value chains in critical sectors for the green transition within the UNECE region and beyond. This position involves monitoring economic developments related to sustainable value chains, developing policy recommendations, and facilitating discussions at various international and regional meetings. The officer will also provide substantive support to intergovernmental bodies and manage technical cooperation projects, ensuring that the UNECE's objectives in trade facilitation and sustainable development are met. The role requires a proactive approach to economic analysis and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders to promote transparency and traceability in value chains.

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

• Conducting economic or sector analysis to monitor developments in sustainable value chains management and identifying emerging issues.
• Developing draft policy recommendations and supporting the establishment of information exchange standards for trade facilitation.
• Attending and representing the UNECE at international, regional, and national meetings, engaging with representatives from various institutions.
• Providing substantive support on traceability and transparency for sustainable value chains management to relevant bodies.
• Serving as secretary to the UNECE Team of Specialists on ESG Transparency and Traceability for Sustainable Value Chains.
• Designing and managing technical cooperation projects in the area of trade facilitation.
• Conducting training seminars and workshops for government officials.
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.
• Supporting junior staff and participating in broader departmental initiatives. 1
• Mobilizing extra-budgetary funds for the work stream on ESG transparency and traceability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in economic theories and concepts, particularly in relation to sustainable development. The ability to conduct independent research and formulate policies on environmental, social, and governance transparency is essential. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in data analysis and the ability to evaluate the validity and accuracy of data from various sources. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences. Additionally, candidates should exhibit professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing skills, and leadership qualities.

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 degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background ensures that candidates have a solid understanding of economic principles and their application in real-world scenarios.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, or related areas. At least two years of experience specifically in sustainable value chains management is required, along with a preference for candidates who have experience in value chains traceability. Experience working within the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or related fields. This level of experience is crucial for effectively navigating the complexities of economic development and sustainability.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, and candidates should be familiar with the UN Language Framework to understand the minimum required levels for language skills. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve international travel as part of technical cooperation activities. The role is classified at a seniority level that requires significant expertise and experience in the field. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with United Nations standards, and candidates are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications outlined in the job description.