Senior Economic Affairs Officer at United Nations (UN) WCESA

Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.

Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief, Development Strategy and Policy Analysis Unit (DSP), the incumbent is responsible for the following duties: Economic and development policy analysis:

• Identifies emerging development issues of potential concern to the international community, particularly those relating to the macroeconomic and structural policy challenges of developing countries, linked to the internationally agreed development goals.
• Examines key cross-cutting policy challenges, particularly those linked to climate change and conflict.
• Formulates, organizes and undertakes studies and writes policy briefs on those development issues, identifying corresponding strategies, policies and actions for adoption by the international community.
• Provides high-level inputs to policy briefs and resolutions for the intergovernmental process
• Takes shared responsibility for policy research and reporting, among others for the Department’s flagship report World Economic and Social Survey, and commissions etc.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in quantitative and qualitative analysis of economic development policy issues.
• Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources.
• Ability to assess economic policies and make recommendations on their implementation.
• Ability to apply and interpret up-to-date statistical and quantitative techniques for economic analysis.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements;
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of economic analysis;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, and shows persistence and professionalism when faced with difficult problems or challenges.

Communications
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; shares information and is a good communicator at work; tailors communication to match audience.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in macroeconomics, microeconomics, development economics or public economics is required; a PhD in the relevant area is desirable.
• A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive development policy analysis experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• At least ten years progressively responsible relevant post-graduate experience involving the application of principles and concepts of economics in various contexts, including through association with national or international economic policy-making, academia and foreign assistance programs.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a second official UN language is an advantage.

Other Skills

• Publishing of academic and policy-oriented papers, articles or books in the relevant field at the international level is required