Economic Affairs Officer, P-4

UN ESCAP - United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Bangkok, Thailand

Org. Setting and Reporting

The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP's role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy oriented research and analysis, normative support and technical assistance and capacity building, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region. This position is located in the Macroeconomic Policy and Analysis Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division. The Economic Affairs Officer is under the direct supervision of the Chief, Macroeconomic Policy and Analysis Section (MPAS) and the overall supervision of the Director of MPFD.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Macroeconomic Policy and Analysis Section and overall guidance of the Director of MPFD, the Economic Affairs Officer is required to perform the following functions:

Economic or sector analysis

Monitors and analyses macroeconomic trends and policies in countries of the Asia-Pacific region and identifies recurrent and emerging development issues of concern to ESCAP.
Designs and conducts studies of selected economic issues to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable development and Drafts inputs and provides substantive support for the preparation of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific.
Interprets and applies results of econometric modelling to analysis of economic prospects and policies.
Drafts background notes and policy recommendations pertaining to areas of work.
Organizes expert group meetings, policy dialogues and other events on the Survey, and supports colleagues in the Division for other similar activities.
Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support

Provides substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies (such as the Committee on Macroeconomic Policy, Poverty Reduction and Financing for Development).
Provides support to the annual ESCAP Commission session, as a presentative of MPFD.

Technical cooperation

Designs, implements, and monitors technical cooperation projects.
Undertakes missions to member states, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of the Organization's technical cooperation activities.
Prepares global, regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on economic development issues.
Conducts training seminars and workshops for government officials and others.
Formulates technical modalities for the evaluation of individual technical cooperation projects.

General

Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback.
Participates in intra- and inter-divisional undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the Division.
Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit's service.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in a relevant field in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Ph.D. in a related field is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic and/or econometric research and analysis, policy formulation, and application of economic principles in development policies or related area is required. Experience working for developing countries and/or the Asia-Pacific region is desirable. Proven experience in public speaking with analytical notes and experience in preparation of presentations related to economic and/or econometric research and analysis is desirable.

Languages

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

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