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 Latin American and Caribbean region. ECLAC focuses on designing, monitoring, and evaluating public policies, providing advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supporting regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. The organization operates in multiple countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, working towards sustainable development and addressing economic challenges in the region.

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer position is primarily focused on a sub-specialty within economics, such as macroeconomics, development economics, international economics, public economics, environmental economics, or gender economics. The officer will report to the Chief of the ECLAC Office in Washington D.C. The role involves monitoring economic developments, conducting studies, interpreting econometric models, and formulating policy recommendations. The officer will also provide substantive support to intergovernmental bodies, represent the organization at various meetings, and design and monitor technical cooperation projects. This position requires a proactive approach to economic analysis and the ability to engage with various stakeholders to promote effective economic policies and strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Affairs Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Monitoring economic developments in a specific area and identifying emerging issues relevant to the United Nations.
• Designing and conducting studies on economic development issues and drafting reports based on findings.
• Interpreting econometric models to analyze economic prospects and policies.
• Developing policy recommendations and proposals for development strategies to be presented to intergovernmental bodies.
• Attending international, regional, and national meetings to discuss economic issues with representatives from other institutions.
• Organizing expert group meetings and seminars on development issues.
• Preparing speeches and presentations for senior staff.
• Providing substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies such as the General Assembly and UNCTAD.
• Representing the organizational unit at various meetings. 1
• Designing and monitoring technical cooperation projects and conducting training seminars for government officials. 1
• Supporting junior staff and participating in broader departmental initiatives. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in economics, with the ability to apply economic theories and concepts across various sectors. They should demonstrate proficiency in conducting independent research, analyzing data, and developing sources for data collection. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, as well as the ability to plan and organize effectively to meet deadlines and achieve results.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with 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 the role.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, and the application of economic principles in development programs is required. Candidates should have extensive experience in data analysis, statistical and econometric analysis, and financial data modeling. Experience in analyzing capital flows and sovereign debt instruments is also necessary. Familiarity with intergovernmental organizations and issues of economic integration, particularly in the Latin American and Caribbean region, is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ECLAC. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, and knowledge of Portuguese is desirable, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the region and the organization's operations.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members may be assigned to various functions within the UN. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. The organization promotes flexible working arrangements, although these are not guaranteed. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to provide accurate information in their applications. The evaluation of candidates will be based on their qualifications and adherence to the UN's standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.