Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Trade Facilitation Section, the Trade Logistics Branch, the Division on Technology and Logistics, the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of the Section. ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of the Chief of the Trade Facilitation Section, the Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Carries out research and analysis on economic, regulatory and policy issues in international trade logistics, WTO topics, including trade facilitation. • Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of economic development, in particularly in the area of trade facilitation. • Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics. • As required, attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions. • Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff. Intergovernmental support • Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies. • 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. • Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues. Technical cooperation • Participates in missions on trade logistics and trade facilitation issues, usually as a member of a team. • Organizes and participates in 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, reports on and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects, including reporting. Competencies• Professionalism: 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. 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. • 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 & 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s 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 QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA 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. At least three years of experience in the field of international trade and trade facilitation is desirable. Experience in project management and in organizing capacity-building activities is desirable. Experience in technical assistance project implementation of trade reforms is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Arabic or French or Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish or Russian 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).