Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the E-commerce and Digital Economy (ECDE) Branch of the Division on Technology and Logistics of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of the Digital Economy Policy Research Section.

Within delegated authority, the duties of the Economic Affairs Officer will be as follows:

Economic or sector analysis

• Monitors economic developments in the area of e-commerce and digital economy and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations.

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

• Drafts specified inputs for publications, technical papers and analytical studies on development aspects of e-commerce, digital trade and the digital economy.

• Drafts inputs for policy proposals pertaining to the area of work.

• Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics, including with regard to the digitalization process of China.

• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other 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 the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on E-commerce and the Digital Economy of UNCTAD, and other intergovernmental meetings as appropriate.

• 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 related to e-commerce and the digital economy for intergovernmental processes.

Technical cooperation

• Participates in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team.

• Organizes training seminars for national experts.

• Assists with the preparation of documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects for beneficiaries of the assistance provided by the ECDE Branch, including government officials and digital entrepreneurs.

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

• Facilitates interaction with government, private sector and academic institutions in China.

• 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 and for fund-raising.

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

• Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in relation to sustainable development implications of e-commerce, digital trade and the digital economy. 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, law 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 Qualification

Not available.

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. Experience in developing partnerships and fundraising for digital economy related projects is desirable. Experience in working with government and research institutions is desirable. Experience in negotiations related to digital trade and advising governments on digital trade issues is desirable. Experience in working in international organizations is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in Chinese is desirable. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. Extensions will be subject to the availability of the funds, continuation of the project and satisfactory performance. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.