Org. Setting and ReportingThe Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This position is located in the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster. The Economics Affairs Officer works under the overall supervision of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster Lead and reports directly to the Senior Sustainable Development Officer (Water) . ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Economic or sector analysis: • Monitors water resources related developments in the Arab region and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations, including on integrated water resources management related to climate change and transboundary water resources. • Designs and conducts studies of selected issues on integrated water resources management and draft resulting reports. • Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to water and sustainable development. • Drafts documents and proposals for water resources 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 integrated water resources management issues related to sustainable development. • Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff. Intergovernmental support • Provides substantive support on integrated water resources management issues to intergovernmental bodies. • Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings. Technical cooperation: • Participates in designing and monitoring technical cooperation projects. • Undertakes missions to member states, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of the Organization’s technical cooperation activities. • Drafts global, regional, national or sector analyses that provides a basis for advising national governments on integrated water resources management issues related to water and climate change, transboundary cooperation and other relevant 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 cluster. • Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s service.; • Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally. • Collects and analyzes water-related 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 apply economic theories and concepts as they relate to integrated water resources management and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics related to water resources, 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in water resources management, hydrology, hydrogeology, natural resources management, environmental engineering, economics or related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in research and analysis and policy formulation on water resources management or related area is required. Two years of demonstrated working with Arab States in the area of integrated water resources management is required. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Languages\"English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. In addition, Arabic is a working language at ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.\" AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include assessment(s) which may be followed by an interview. Special Notice This position is temporarily available for a maximum period of 364 days. Extension of the appointment is subject to availability of funds, extension of the mandate, continued need for services, and satisfactory performance. • A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade. • If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. An external candidate selected for this position is bound by the prevailing condition of the staff selection system under ST/AI/2010/3, as amended, and ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. A staff member holding a temporary appointment who is recruited in the Professional and above categories on a temporary appointment, and placed on a position authorized for one year or longer may not apply for or be reappointed to his/her current position within six months of the end of his/her current service. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. 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In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. • The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. • 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. 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