ASSOCIATE ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Investment Issues Section, Investment Trends and Issues Branch of the Division on Investment and Enterprise (DIAE) of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The post supports analytical and policy work related to international investment trends and development implications, including the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in sustainable development, investment policy frameworks, and emerging macroeconomic risks. The incumbent will contribute to data-driven research and analysis, and the preparation of UNCTAD’s flagship reports such as the World Investment Report, as well as technical materials for member states and intergovernmental processes. The Associate Economics Affairs Officer is expected to work under the overall supervision of the Chief, Investment Issues and Analysis Section within the Division on Investment and Enterprise. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the duties of the Associate Economic Affairs Officer will include functional areas as per the following: Economic and/or sector analysis: • Collects, evaluates, interprets, analyses specified statistics and qualitative socio-economic information obtained from a variety of sources and pertaining to global and regional investment flows, cross-border M&As, greenfield and international project finance, and related macroeconomic indicators, regions or investment topics. • Maintains databases and programmes for database management and organizes non-quantitative information. • Supports data validation, consistency checks, and methodological development for FDI indicators. • Assists in the design, testing, operation and modification of econometric models. • Prepares briefing notes, inputs to speeches, data visualization, executive summaries, presentations and similar material on investment for development in a form that is meaningful to non-specialists. • Prepares first drafts of sector, country or regional components of analytical studies on investment for development issues and policies. • Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues. Intergovernmental support: • Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies. • Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports and similar material. • 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 inter-governmental processes. Technical cooperation: • Compiles and analyses the data and other information necessary for the preparation of technical cooperation project proposals in the area of economic development. • 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 Section's services; • Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of economic theories and their application. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to undertake research, analyse data, make recommendations and write reports. 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. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in development economics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required. One year experience in analysis, policy formulation and capacity building on investment for sustainable development is desirable. Experience providing technical assistance or capacity building for the development of a conducive investment climate and business environment is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English or French is required. Arabic or Spanish or Chinese (Mandarin) or Russian is desirable. 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).