Economic Affairs Officer, Addis Ababa (P-3)

Closing Date: Sunday, 25 March 2012 UNDP Ethiopia Country Office UN ECA Campus Africa Hall Building

Job Title

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, P3

Department/ Office

Economic Commission for Africa

Duty Station

ADDIS ABABA

Posting Period

25 January 2012-25 March 2012

Job Opening number

12-ECO-ECA-22519-R-ADDIS ABABA (R)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Regional Integration, Infrastructure and Trade Division (RITD), Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Addis Ababa. The incumbent will work under the general guidance of the Director of the Regional Integration, Infrastructure and Trade Division (RITD) and direct supervision of the Chief of the Section.

Responsibilities

Under the general guidance of the Director of the Division, and the direct supervision of the Chief, Trade and International Negotiations Section (TINS) and within delegated authority, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

Conducts technical studies and prepares technical and policy papers on the multilateral, regional and bilateral trade negotiations and their economic and social implications for Africa;

Undertakes normative research and recommends policies to underpin trade as a development pillar in African countries and regions;

Contributes to the analysis of globalization trends with a special focus on the integration of Africa in the global economy through trade;

Conducts empirical studies on the external and internal trade challenges for African countries and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and recommends how the Aid for Trade could address the challenges;

Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts econometric and general equilibrium models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and analyses the effects of alternative policies and assumptions.

Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of economic development.

Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics.

Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions.

Provides technical assistance and advisory services to the African Regional Economic Communities (RECs), member States and relevant 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 intergovernmental bodies.

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 for intergovernmental processes.

Technical cooperation

Serves as the focal point for TINS in the Industry, Trade, and Market Access (ITMA) cluster under the UN-wide coordinated support to NEPAD;

Builds new and deepens existing collaboration with a variety of bodies such as United Nations organizations, African Union Commission, NEPAD Secretariat, African Development Bank, RECs, other multilateral and bilateral development partners, foundations, the private sector, NGOs and civil society at large; Participates in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team.

Organizes training seminars for national experts.

Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects.

Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects.

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.

Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Colleagues and senior staff within immediate work unit and peers in the broader organizational unit.

Middle level officials of UN agencies, regional and global development banks and other international organizations.

Government officials, academics and other members of civil society.

Results Expected:

Accurately analyses current and emerging economic development issues obtained by applying sound principles and concepts, by using valid data and, as necessary, by applying appropriate economic models; prepares reports and policy proposals that are useful to governments and other clients; engages in technical cooperation activities that contribute to economic development in recipient countries.

Competencies

Professionalism:

In-depth knowledge and competence in economics, trade and regional integration matters. 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. 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 international economics, economics or related field is required. A PhD is desirable.

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. This experience should include a minimum of two years relevant experience in international economics, international trade negotiations, regional integration, trade facilitation or related field.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in both oral and written English or French is required. Knowledge of the other is desirable.

Other skills

Well-developed computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet applications and the use of the Internet are required. Knowledge of research, analytical tools and software is an advantage.

Assessment Method

The assessment method for this Job Opening is a technical written test and competency based interview.

Special Notice

- Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

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