Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Countries with Special Needs Section of the Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division (MPFD). The Economics Affairs Officer is under the direct supervision of the Chief, Countries with Special Needs Section (CSNS) and the overall supervision of the Director of MPFD.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Countries with Special Needs Section and within delegated authority, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions:
Economic or sector analysis
• Monitors economic developments of the Asia-Pacific countries with special needs, comprising least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS) on sustainable development issues.
• Designs and conducts studies of selected issues pertaining to the sustainable development of LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.
• Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to ESCAP intergovernmental bodies and others.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions, including UN system agencies, OHRLLS and UNCTAD.
• Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS in Asia and the Pacific region.
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.
Intergovernmental support
• Provides substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies (such as the ESCAP Commission Session, the Special Body on Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Pacific Island Developing States.
• Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings.
Technical cooperation
• Designs and monitors technical cooperation projects in support of LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS with their development partners
• 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 regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on sustainable development issues in LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.
• 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 ESCAP.
• Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s service.;
• Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or related field. A first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A Ph.D. in economics or related field is desirable.
Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in developing countries is required. Experience working in developing countries and/or the Asia-Pacific region is highly desirable. Experience working in teams, developing technical assistance projects and preparation of reports for policymakers is desirable. Experience in the United Nations Common System or other international organizations 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.