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, providing advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supporting regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. ECLAC operates in various countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on sustainable development and social inclusion. The organization aims to foster economic growth and reduce inequality in the region, making it a vital player in shaping policies that affect millions of people.

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer position is integral to the Latin America and the Caribbean Institute for Economic and Social Planning (ILPES) within ECLAC. The officer will report directly to the Director of ILPES and will be responsible for conducting economic or sector analysis, monitoring economic developments, and identifying issues of concern to the United Nations. The role involves designing and conducting studies on economic development, drafting reports, and formulating policy recommendations. The officer will also engage in technical cooperation projects, providing substantive support to intergovernmental bodies, and representing the organization at various meetings. This position requires a proactive approach to economic analysis and the ability to work collaboratively with member states and other institutions to promote effective development strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Affairs Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Monitoring economic developments in a defined area and identifying emerging issues.
• Designing and conducting studies on economic development and drafting reports.
• Developing policy recommendations and proposals for development strategies.
• Attending international, regional, and national meetings to discuss development issues.
• Organizing expert group meetings and seminars.
• Designing and monitoring technical cooperation projects.
• Preparing regional, national, or sectoral analyses to advise governments on development planning and governance.
• Providing substantive support to intergovernmental bodies on governance and institutional capacity-building.
• Supporting the Director of ILPES in preparing institutional publications and policy recommendations. 1
• Reviewing the work of junior staff and consultants, providing feedback, and participating in training activities. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in economics or a related field, with the ability to apply economic theories and concepts to various sectors of sustainable development. The role requires independent research skills, the ability to analyze and interpret data, and effective communication skills to convey information to management. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and creativity in problem-solving. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is essential.

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 this role.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in policy analysis, public management, governance, or related areas in Latin America and the Caribbean is required. Candidates should have experience leading the analysis, design, and implementation of public policies and development strategies in the region. Experience in preparing institutional documents for international organizations and supporting technical assistance initiatives for governments is also necessary. Desirable experience includes working in national or subnational government roles related to public policy formulation and development planning, as well as experience in data analytics or related fields.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for each language skill according to the UN Language Framework, which can be referenced for further details.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the work unit’s services. The role is likely to be full-time, and while the job is based in Santiago, Chile, it may involve travel to member states for technical cooperation activities. The position is part of an international organization, which may offer competitive compensation and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and training.