Associate Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Debt and Development Finance Branch of the Division on Globalisation and Development Strategies at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is dedicated to promoting the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development through trade, investment, finance, and technology.

Job Overview:
The Associate Economic Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in conducting economic and sector analysis related to debt and development finance. This position involves collecting, evaluating, and interpreting various statistics and qualitative socio-economic information from diverse sources. The officer will maintain databases and organize non-quantitative information, preparing briefing notes and inputs for speeches that are accessible to non-specialists. Additionally, the officer will draft components of analytical studies on development issues and policies, assist in organizing expert group meetings and seminars, and prepare reports for intergovernmental bodies. The role also includes compiling data for technical cooperation project proposals and contributing to the monitoring and assessment of these projects. The position requires a proactive approach to research and analysis, with a focus on delivering high-quality outputs that support the objectives of the branch.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Economic Affairs Officer include:

• Conducting economic and sector analysis by collecting and interpreting statistics and socio-economic information related to debt and development finance.
• Maintaining and managing databases, ensuring the organization of non-quantitative information.
• Preparing briefing notes and inputs for speeches on economic issues, tailored for non-specialist audiences.
• Drafting initial components of analytical studies on development policies and issues.
• Assisting in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, and events related to debt and development finance.
• Preparing inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies and assisting in organizing panels and round tables.
• Compiling and analyzing data for technical cooperation project proposals and preparing documentation for these projects.
• Monitoring and assessing the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.
• Performing various administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the branch’s services and engaging in training activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of economic theories and their applications, with the ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. They should demonstrate proficiency in research, data analysis, and report writing. The ideal candidate will show professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively. Teamwork is also a critical competency, as the officer will work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

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 university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, or the application of economic principles in development programmes is required. Experience specifically related to sovereign debt law is essential, while experience in organizing meetings and events is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, knowledge of French, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, or Arabic is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates based at the duty station, and candidates who will reach the mandatory age of separation within the duration of the temporary need period are not eligible to apply. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.