Principal Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Strategic Planning and Communications Service (SPCS) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) at the United Nations. DESA was established to promote social and economic development globally, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating the work of the UN in these areas. The organization aims to foster inclusive and sustainable development, and it operates in numerous countries worldwide, engaging with various stakeholders to address pressing global challenges. The SPCS specifically focuses on strategic planning, communication, and ICT governance, ensuring that the Department's policies and strategies are effectively formulated and implemented. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity among its staff, encouraging applications from underrepresented member states.

Job Overview:
The Principal Economic Affairs Officer will lead the Strategic Planning and Communications Service (SPCS) within DESA, responsible for formulating policies and strategies related to thought leadership, strategic planning, and communications. The incumbent will support senior management in defining the Department's strategic priorities and coordinating shared goals. This role requires a strong focus on collaboration across DESA divisions to address emerging challenges and enhance foresight on cross-cutting issues. The officer will oversee the preparation of the Department's annual plan of action and performance reports, ensuring that all publications and policy briefs are robust and aligned with organizational objectives. The position also involves managing the Department's strategic communications plan and ICT strategy, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and directives. The officer will represent the Department in various internal and external meetings, contributing to discussions on economic and social issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: supporting the Under-Secretary-General in defining strategic priorities; leading and supervising the work programme of the SPCS; coordinating work across different units; providing substantive reviews of drafts; supporting thought leadership and analytical work; promoting strategic integration and policy coherence; overseeing the preparation of annual plans and performance reports; ensuring the quality of publications and policy briefs; serving as the focal point for the Department's work related to the Executive Committee; guiding the implementation of the Department's strategic communications plan; managing the Department's ICT strategy; undertaking programmatic and administrative tasks; recruiting staff; managing and developing staff; fostering teamwork; organizing meetings and seminars; and representing the Service at various events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of social and economic issues relevant to the Department's work. They should demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality reports and papers, apply UN rules and regulations, and show professionalism in their work. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences. They should also exhibit accountability, leadership, and sound judgment in decision-making processes, ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, sustainable development, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development research and policy analysis in an international environment is required. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in strategic planning within a global sustainable development context. Experience in managing complex programmes and diverse teams, as well as in producing publications and developing communication materials in the development field, is essential. Experience in intergovernmental support and inter-agency engagement is desirable.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but no additional desirable languages are specified for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members appointed to this position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the United Nations does not concern itself with applicants' bank account information.