Economic Affairs Officer

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Position Title: Economic Affairs Officer
Location: Geneve
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Resources Management Section (RMS) of the Sustainable Energy Division (SED) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The UNECE was established to promote pan-European economic integration and sustainable development. It operates in 56 member states across Europe, North America, and Central Asia, focusing on various sectors including sustainable energy, transport, and environmental protection. The organization aims to foster cooperation among its member states to address common challenges and enhance the quality of life for their citizens. The UNECE employs a diverse workforce dedicated to achieving its mission of promoting sustainable development and economic cooperation.

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer position is responsible for conducting comprehensive technical policy analyses in the fields of sustainable energy, just transition, energy resilience, and sustainable resource management. The incumbent will work closely with the Chief of Section and the Chief of Service to support the development and implementation of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS). The role involves monitoring economic trends, conducting studies, drafting reports, and formulating policy recommendations aimed at achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The officer will also engage in intergovernmental support and technical cooperation, representing the Sustainable Energy Division at various meetings and organizing expert group discussions. This position is crucial for advancing the UN's goals in sustainable energy and resource management, requiring a proactive approach to identifying and addressing emerging issues in these areas.

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

• Monitoring economic developments and trends in sustainable energy and resource management, identifying issues of concern for UNECE member states.
• Designing and conducting studies on sustainable energy and resource management topics, drafting reports and policy recommendations for the Committee on Sustainable Energy.
• Interpreting energy system modeling results to analyze trends in energy production and consumption.
• Developing policy recommendations for resilient energy systems and sustainable resource management.
• Formulating proposals for just energy strategies and measures for intergovernmental bodies.
• Attending and representing the Sustainable Energy Division at international, regional, and national meetings.
• Organizing expert group meetings and seminars on energy resilience and resource management.
• Providing substantive support to the Committee on Sustainable Energy and its subsidiary bodies.
• Designing and monitoring projects related to energy systems and resource management. 1
• Conducting training seminars and workshops for government officials. 1
• Supporting junior staff and participating in broader UNECE initiatives. 1
• Performing administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the Sustainable Energy programme.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, geology, engineering, technology, or a related field. A first-level university degree in these fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of sustainable energy and resource management, as well as the ability to draft effective policy recommendations. Professionalism, communication skills, planning and organizing abilities, and client orientation are essential competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as economics, geology, engineering, technology, or energy-related disciplines. A first-level university degree in the specified fields, combined with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered acceptable. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of energy economics and sustainable resource management.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in energy economics and related fields is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in project management and related activities. Additionally, a minimum of five years of experience working with economies in transition is desirable, as is experience in managing energy and mineral resources at a global level. This level of experience is necessary to effectively contribute to the UNECE's objectives in sustainable energy and resource management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French or Russian is desirable, as these languages are also used within the UNECE. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for an initial period ending in December 2025, with the possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the United Nations ensures that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.