Senior Economic Affairs Assistant

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 Latin America and the Caribbean. ECLAC focuses on the design, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies, providing advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supporting regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. The organization operates in various countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, working towards sustainable development and addressing economic challenges in the region. For more information, visit www.eclac.org.

Job Overview:
The Senior Economic Affairs Assistant plays a crucial role in the Economic Development Unit at ECLAC Mexico, reporting directly to the Chief of the Unit. This position involves independently identifying and monitoring substantive aspects of the Unit's work across various regions and countries. The assistant will be responsible for selecting and evaluating documents, summarizing pertinent materials, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs, and reports. The role requires systematic follow-through on information retrieval, preparation of charts and graphs for data presentation, and assistance in formulating project proposals. The assistant will also produce analytical elements for documents and reports, build special data sets for research needs, and design and update databases. Additionally, the position involves organizing meetings and workshops, drafting agendas, and liaising with relevant parties both inside and outside the organization. The Senior Economic Affairs Assistant will also draft and edit complex texts, prepare newsletters, and process information using various computer programs, ensuring that data is accessible to multiple users. This role is integral to the overall functioning of the Economic Development Unit and requires a proactive approach to data management and analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Economic Affairs Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Independently identifying and monitoring substantive aspects of the Unit's work across various regions and countries.
• Selecting and evaluating a variety of documents, summarizing pertinent material, and preparing background materials for assessment papers, studies, briefs, and reports.
• Systematically retrieving, highlighting, and compiling information from diverse sources and preparing input for electronic databases.
• Preparing charts, graphs, and other outputs for reporting and presentation of data.
• Assisting in formulating project proposals and coordinating the monitoring and implementation of these projects.
• Producing analytical, quantitative, and qualitative elements for documents and reports.
• Building special data sets for specific research needs or reports.
• Designing and updating databases and programs regarding procedures and presentations.
• Organizing Committee/Task Force meetings and workshops, drafting agendas, and procedural notes. 1
• Establishing internal databases and managing data relevant to program/project activities. 1
• Participating in technical meetings, conferences, and seminars, serving as Secretary to committees, and drafting summary reports. 1
• Liaising with relevant parties, both inside and outside the organization. 1
• Drafting and editing complex texts and preparing newsletters on program/project-related activities. 1
• Processing information gathered using various computer programs and updating information for distribution. 1
• Tracking resolutions and legislative decisions affecting program/project content and overseeing database preparation. 1
• Undertaking mission/field work as needed and providing guidance to junior staff. 1
• Assisting with data collection, analysis, and preparation of presentations and reports for information sharing and decision-making. 1
• Updating information materials such as web pages or brochures. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. For positions in the General Service category, it is essential to clearly indicate relevant information confirming completion of high school in the Candidate Profile. Supplementary technical studies or university courses in economics are desirable. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and the United Nations system, including internal policies and procedures. The ability to identify, extract, interpret, analyze, and format a wide range of data is crucial. Candidates should also exhibit good judgment, professionalism, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Candidates are encouraged to indicate their educational qualifications clearly in their Candidate Profile. While a high school diploma is the minimum requirement, supplementary technical studies or university courses in economics are highly desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least ten (10) years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of social and economic development or a related field. This requirement is reduced to eight (8) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree. Additionally, candidates should have at least five (5) years of experience in conducting research on economic development topics. Experience in international technical assistance projects is desirable, as is one year or more of experience in data analytics or a related area.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the working languages of ECLAC. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in the required languages, as language skills will be tested unless supported by a certificate from a recognized institution.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 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 appointment for positions in the General Service category is done on a local basis, meaning applicants must be authorized to work in Mexico. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to follow all instructions provided in the online recruitment platform. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. Flexible working arrangements may be available, but candidates should inquire about these options at the final stage of the offer.