Economic affairs officer, P-3

Job opening number: 12-ECO-ESCAP-22939-R-BANGKOK(G)

Background

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 position is located in the ICT and Development Section (IDS) of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD), ESCAP, Bangkok, Thailand. The Economic Affairs Officer is under the direct supervision of the Chief of IDS and general supervision of the Chief of IDD.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Chief, Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD), and direct supervision of the Chief, Information and Communications Technology and Development Section (IDS), the Economic Affairs Officer is responsible for the following duties:

Economic analysis

• Works with socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for regular and ad hoc analysis of regional digital connectivity trends and challenges.
• Analyses new digital trends and related societal and developmental challenges.
• Drafts inputs for policy papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects, including those related to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process.
• Identifies and analyses implications of cross-sectoral developmental policies.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to coordinate and share information with colleagues in other institutions.
• Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on ICT issues.
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support

• Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies, including the Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction , the annual session of the ESCAP Commission, Asia Pacific Disaster Report.
• 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

• 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.
• Acts as backstopping officer for APCICT related work.

Competencies

Professionalism

• Ability to apply economic theories and concepts to economic, inclusive and sustainable development issues related to the digital economy and information society .
• Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources.
• 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.

Planning and organization

• 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.

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.

Work experience/ Education

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in development policy , economic research, policy analysis and formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required.
• Experience at the international level is required.
• Experience in analyzing trends and policy challenges emerging in the digital economy and knowledge society is desirable. 
• Experience in writing analytical policy papers is an asset.
• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Assessment method

A competency-based interview and/or assessment is required for this Job Opening.