Economic affairs officer, P4

The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote regional cooperation for inclusive economic and social development in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership, through its analytical, normative and technical cooperation, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.

The objective of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction subprogramme of ESCAP is to promote applications of information and communications technology, including utilization of space and geographic information system (GIS), and to enhance regional cooperation for improved disaster risk reduction (DRR) and management, as well as for improved management of the associated socio-economic risks, for inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

This position is located in the Space Applications Section (SAS), under the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD). The incumbent reports to the Chief of SAS.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of SAS, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions:

Sectoral analysis:

1. Designs and conducts analytical and methodological studies of selected issues of space and geographic information system (GIS) applications in Asia-Pacific region in supporting the disaster risk reduction (DRR) and management, as well as socio-economic development; identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations and draft resulting reports.
2. Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to areas of work.
3. Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others.
4. Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions.
5. Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues.
6. Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support:

1. Provides substantive support on the issues of space and GIS applications to intergovernmental bodies.
2. Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings.

Technical cooperation:

1. Designs and monitors technical cooperation projects to utilize the space and GIS applications to support DRR and management, as well as the socio-economic development. Undertakes missions to member States, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of the ESCAP’s technical cooperation activities.
2. Prepares regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on issues of space and GIS applications to support DRR and management, as well as the socio-economic development.
3. Conducts training seminars and workshops for government officials and others.
4. Formulates technical modalities for the evaluation of individual technical cooperation projects.

General:

1. Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback.
2. Participates in intra- and inter-Departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit.
3. Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s service.
4. Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.
5. Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to conduct independent research on topics related to information and communications technology and space applications in supporting socioeconomic development. Ability to translate the findings into policy dialogues and recommendations and to provide good practices, knowledge sharing and technical assistance to member States in the implementation of these recommendations. 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.

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.

Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority；makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member；accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, physical sciences, engineering or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional 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 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and/or space applications in supporting socioeconomic development, especially in the national or regional policy formulation and programmes are required. Experience in research and policy analysis on the trends and priorities of ICT and space applications to support socioeconomic development is desirable. Working experience in the Asia-Pacific region is desirable. Experience working in the United Nations Common System is desirable. Familiarity with GIS software and web-based applications will be an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

Qualified applicants will be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.

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.