Economic Affairs Officer

Job Advertisement

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

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Innovative Policies Development Section (IPDS) of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division (ECTD) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). UNECE was established to promote economic cooperation and integration among its member states, focusing on sustainable development and innovation. The organization operates in various countries across Europe and has a mission to support member states through normative work, analytical work, thematic publications, and capacity-building initiatives. The UNECE employs a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the region.

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Chief of the Innovative Policies Development Section (IPDS) by serving as the secretary of the Committee on Innovation Competitiveness and Public-Private Partnerships (CICPPP). The incumbent will contribute to the delivery of technical assistance and capacity-building activities, supervise the secretary of the Team of Specialists for Innovation and Competitiveness Policies (ToS ICP), and represent UNECE’s innovation-related work in various national, regional, and international processes. The position requires a strong focus on promoting innovation for sustainable development and involves significant interaction with member states and stakeholders to facilitate policy dialogues and technical assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: serving as secretary of the CICPPP, ensuring timely and high-quality execution of the Committee’s work programs; supporting the CICPPP bureau with effective communication; servicing meetings and preparing agendas, documents, and reports; conducting substantive policy research; coordinating the writing and publication of Innovation Policy Outlooks (IPOs) and Innovation for Sustainable Development Reviews (I4SDRs); supervising the P3 secretary of ToS ICP; representing UNECE in relevant processes; providing input for position papers and reports; supporting the Chief of Section in management tasks; mobilizing extrabudgetary resources; and serving as the Section’s Programme Budget focal point. The role also includes responding to requests from the Office of the Director and participating in information-sharing activities within the Division.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of the role of innovation in achieving sustainable development, particularly in the context of UNECE member states. They should have the ability to conduct policy analysis, provide policy advice, and mobilize resources for projects. Professional competence and mastery of subject matter are essential, along with a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work. The candidate should demonstrate effective planning and organizational skills, client orientation, and a commitment to continuous learning and performance management.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, finance, business or public administration, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the specified fields combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in areas related to the thematic coverage of the UNECE subprogramme on Economic Cooperation and Integration is required. This includes experience in innovation, infrastructure financing, organizing expert meetings, and capacity-building activities. Relevant experience in reviewing and supervising the work of others is also necessary, with a preference for candidates who have worked in countries with economies in transition in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French or Russian is desirable, as these are also working languages within the UNECE.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender balance and geographical diversity in its recruitment process. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as per the organization's mobility policy. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.