Economic Affairs Officer, P-3

UNCTAD - United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Geneva, Switzerland

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the E-commerce and Digital Economy (ECDE) Branch of the Division on Technology and Logistics of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of the Digital Economy Policy Research Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the duties of the Economic Affairs Officer will be as follows:

Economic or sector analysis

Monitors economic developments in the area of e-commerce and digital economy and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations.
Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts econometric models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions.
Drafts specified inputs for publications, technical papers and analytical studies on development aspects of e-commerce, digital trade and the digital economy.
Drafts inputs for policy proposals pertaining to the area of work.
Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics, including with regard to the digitalization process of China.
Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions.
Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues.
Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support

Prepares inputs for reports to the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on E-commerce and the Digital Economy of UNCTAD, and other intergovernmental meetings as appropriate.
Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports.
Prepares inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings.
Assists in the organization of panels, round tables etc. on development issues related to e-commerce and the digital economy for intergovernmental processes.

Technical cooperation

Participates in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team.
Organizes training seminars for national experts.
Assists with the preparation of documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects for beneficiaries of the assistance provided by the ECDE Branch, including government officials and digital entrepreneurs.
Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects.
Facilitates interaction with government, private sector and academic institutions in China.
Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.

General

Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services and for fund-raising.
Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in relation to sustainable development implications of e-commerce, digital trade and the digital economy. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing 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.
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.
Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, law or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required.
Experience in developing partnerships and fundraising for digital economy related projects is desirable.
Experience in working with government and research institutions is desirable.
Experience in negotiations related to digital trade and advising governments on digital trade issues is desirable.
Experience in working in international organizations is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in Chinese is desirable. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

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