Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Debt and Development Finance Branch (DDFB) of the Division on Globalisation and Development Strategies, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Economics Affairs Officer reports to the Head of the DDFB.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the duties of the Economic Affairs Officer are identified below: ECONOMIC AND/OR SECTOR ANALYSIS:

• Monitors and analyses sovereign and public debt and global financial flows and their implications for developing countries and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations.
• Designs and conducts studies on external and domestic debt issues (both private and public), development finance, global financial markets and governance structures and drafts resulting reports.
• Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to international economic co-operation and strengthening multilateralism.
• 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. INTERGOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT:
• Provides substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies such as the Trade and Development Board.
• Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings. TECHNICAL COOPERATION:
• 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 Organizations 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. GENERAL:
• Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback.
• Participates in intra- and inter-Departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit.
• Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work units service.;
• Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. 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. 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 (Masters degree or equivalent) in economics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job – Specific Qualification A PhD in Economics or related field is desirable. Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis and policy formulation, in the area of debt and development finance is required. Experience in intergovernmental consensus building in the area of debt and development finance is required. Experience in technical cooperation projects within the United Nations Common system is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French 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). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking French UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. 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. 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. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 November 2025, are strongly encouraged to apply:Andorra, Angola,Belize, Brunei Darussalam,China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea,Grenada, Guinea-Bissau,Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Germany, San Marino, Russian Federation. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1…