Job Title
Economic Affairs Officer, P4
Department/ Office
Economic Commission for Africa
Duty Station
KIGALI
Posting Period
8 October 2013-7 December 2013
Job Opening number
13-ECO-ECA-31171-R-KIGALI(G)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Sub-regional Data Centre for Eastern Africa of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in Kigali, Rwanda. The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Chief, Sub-Regional Data Centre (P5).
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
- Monitors economic developments in a defined area and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the member States;
- Designs and conducts studies of selected issues in economic development and draft resulting reports;
- Interprets and applies results of econometric modelling to analysis of economic prospects and policies;
- Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to area of work;
- Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others;
- Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions;
- Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues;
- Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff;
- Provides substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies;
- Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings;
- Designs 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;
- Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback; Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the Sub-Regional Data Centre's service.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM:
- Strong background in economics and research.
- Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development.
- Ability to prepare in-depth qualitative and quantitative analyses of diverse aspects of the development challenges faced by developing countries and formulate sound policy proposals, recommend project activities, develop well-designed programmes of analysis of development issues, provide guidance and leadership to less senior staff.
- 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.
- Strong background in economics and research, as demonstrated by a proven track-record in terms of peer-review publications.
- 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.
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.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or related field.
- A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
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.
- Experience in the sub-regional level on issues of concern is highly desirable.
- Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first-level university degree recognized by the United Nations.
Languages
- Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required;
- knowledge of the other is desirable.
- Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
- Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
