ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, P4

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Economic Affairs Officer supports the extra-budgetary project “Enhancing Traceability of Sustainable Value Chains in critical sectors for the green transition in the UNECE region and beyond” and reports to the P5, Chief of the Competitiveness Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the duties of an Economic Affairs Officer, will be the following: Economic or sector analysis: • Monitors economic developments in the area of sustainable value chains management and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to UNECE. • Develops draft policy recommendations and supports the development of information exchange standards pertaining to trade facilitation and sustainable value chains management. • Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions. • Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff. Intergovernmental support • Provides substantive support on traceability and transparency for sustainable value chains management to bodies such as the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and electronic Business (UN/CEFACT and UNECE). • Serves as secretary to the UNECE Team of Specialists (ToS) on Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Transparency and Traceability for Sustainable Value Chains (VC) for the Circular Economy (CE) - ToS ESG VC CE. • Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings. Technical cooperation: • Designs and manages technical cooperation projects in the trade facilitation and sustainable value chains management area. • 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-Departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit. • Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Works to mobilize extra-budgetary funds for the work stream on ESG transparency and traceability of sustainable value chains in line with the Division’s Integrated Strategic Plan. • 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 and formulate policies and standards on environmental, social and governance transparency and traceability of sustainable value chains for the circular economy. Ability to determine the suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Ability to service a normative machinery. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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 and 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. • Leadership: Serves as a role model; empowers others to translate vision into results; anticipates and resolves conflicts; and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required. At least two years or more of experience in sustainable value chains management area is required. At least two years of experience in the value chains traceability is desirable. Work experience in the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice The appointment against this position is limited to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. The candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited”) in accordance with section 2.2 (c) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2025/3 on Administration of appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. 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