Job Title: FIRST ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER (STRATEGIC
POLICY), P4
Department/ Office: Economic and Social Commission for
Western Asia
Duty Station: BEIRUT
Posting Period: 20 April 2012-17 October 2012
Job Opening number: 12-ECO-ESCWA-23654-R-BEIRUT(G)
Org. Setting and
Reporting
This post is located within the Strategic and Inter-Sectoral
Initiatives and Policies Unit of the Economic and Social Commission for Western
Asia (ESCWA). The First Economic Affairs Officer (Strategic Policy) will be
under the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be
responsible for the following:
1 - Monitors and analyses economic and social developments
in the Arab Region and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to
the United Nations ESCWA including the development of new lines of
inter-disciplinary theoretical analysis and initiatives in response to new and
unforeseen challenges and exigencies;
2 - Designs and conducts studies of selected issues in
economic and social development and drafts resulting reports;
3 - Formulates project and substantive proposals for
research, development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to
intergovernmental bodies and other wide range of audiences related to emerging
exigencies and their impact on socio-economic prospects;
4 - Attends international, regional, and national meetings
to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions;
5 - Plans, organizes and provides substantive servicing
support to expert High Level group meetings, work programs, seminars, and other
discussion forums on development issues including the transition to democracy;
6 - Prepares speeches (in Arabic and English) and other
inputs for presentations by the Executive Secretary;
7 - Designs, coordinates and monitors projects initiated by
the unit which include ESCWA’s multidisciplinary publications and related
background papers;
8 - Liaises and partners with other experts in the field
(e.g. governments, research institutes, academia, other international
organizations, etc.) on new multidisciplinary initiatives; helps ensure that
lessons learned are disseminated and incorporated into development programmes;
9 - Prepares global, regional, national or sector analyses
that provide a basis for advising national governments on economic development
issues;
10 - Performs other related duties as required, including a
variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work
unit’s service.
Competencies
Professionalism - Ability to carry out conceptual and
strategic analyses; comprehensive knowledge of inter-disciplinary and
inter-sectoral approaches to development; significant experience in the
application of principles and concepts of holistic socio-economic development
and assessing the connections between the different pillars of development to
include ability to analyze and articulate the socio-economic and political
dimensions of complex issues; problem-solving skills and ability to work under
pressure; ability to apply principles and concepts of socio-economic
development in relation to government, the private sector, civil society and
international organizations; Substantive knowledge of the ESCWA region; ability
to relate socio-economic issues, trends and perspectives, including gender
issues, to development policies and programmes in affected country/region;
proven ability to produce inter disciplinary reports and studies through sound
publication record; excellent research skills
and demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate
conclusions/ recommendations; ability to develop innovative approaches to
engage with complex issues and to support communication and outreach efforts
related to the project; 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.
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.
Leadership - Serves as a role model that other people want
to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in
developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains
relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support;
anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions;
drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; shows the
courage to take unpopular stands.
Vision - Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks;
clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work
unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational
direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm
about future possibilities.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent)
in economics, political economy, political science, sociology or other
specialization in social science or humanities. A first-level university degree
in addition to qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced
university degree. PhD or equivalent is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible
experience in research and/or socio-economic development and analysis and
policy formulation.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United
Nations Secretariat. Arabic is also a
working language of ESCWA. For the post
advertised, fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required.
Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Candidates will undergo a substantive and a competency-based
interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Special Notice
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.
To apply for this position, please click here
To apply for this position, please click here
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