Economic Affairs Officer, Addis Ababa

Job Title

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, P3

Department/ Office

ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA

Duty Station

ADDIS ABABA

Posting Period

30 June 2011-29 August 2011

Job Opening number

11-ECO-ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA-20258-R-ADDIS ABABA

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the African Center for Gender and Social Development Division (ACGSD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of Gender, Women in Development Section.

Responsibilities

Under the overall direction of the Director, African Centre for Gender and Social Development Division and the direct supervision of the Chief, Gender and Women in Development Section, the incumbent will be responsible for: research work in the area of gender, trade and economics; integration of gender in ECA policies and programmes; assisting member States to integrate gender in their economic and social programmes; development of socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or adhoc assignments; Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts econometric models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions to gender and development; follow-up and backstop African member States' on gender and economic development programmes; monitoring and evaluating the gender mainstreaming activities of African Governments; support the Section's work on gender and trade and as well as work by the Regional Integration, Infrastructure and Trade Division (RIITD) and the African Trade Policy Center (ATPC); provide the same support to monitoring and reporting on the progress of ECA's gender capacity building programme; monitoring collaboration and partnership requirements with ECA Divisions, SROs, international, regional and sub-regional institutions including UN agencies; Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects. Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects. Participates in missions and organizes training seminars for experts.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to apply gender and economic theories and concepts to issues of concern to the UN; ability to carry out gender policy analysis of the economic, trade and social sectors; ability to mainstream gender into programme design; ability to develop sources for data collection; ability to conduct independent research on gender and economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources; demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge and proven analytical skills in aspects of social and economic promotion of women; ability to identify and address relevant gender perspectives in substantive work; 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 and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Proven ability to prepare written materials in a clear, concise and compelling manner; excellent oral communication skills as well as ability to carry out gender training; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Ability to works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals and with clients and partners as well as work effectively in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity; 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) development economics or macroeconomics is required. Academic studies in gender and development, or appropriate professional experience are an asset. A first-year university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the application of principles and concepts of economics, trade, gender and development in various contexts or analytical and research skills in gender programmes. Work experience with key stakeholders within the UN System, NGOs and government is an advantage

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English or French is required. Working knowledge of the other is highly desirable.

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.

Assessment Method

A written assessment and competency-based interview will be conducted as part of the recruitment process for this position.

Special Notice

Priority consideration for vacancies at the P3 level will be given to internal candidates and candidates who have passed a competitive examination.

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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE U