Associate Economics Affairs Officer at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

• The Young Professionals Programme examination in Economic Affairs covers a wide range of topics in the areas of fundamental concepts from microeconomics, macroeconomics, economics of growth and sustainable development, climate and ocean economics, economics of international trade and finance, quantitative economic analysis and econometrics, resources and environmental economics, and other areas of the economic discipline covered economic affairs arms of the United Nations. Those successful in the examination could be assigned to a job that covers any or a combination of these areas.
• Some of the key responsibilities of an Associate Economic Affairs Officer include (These duties are generic and may not be carried out by all Associate Officers.):

Economic and/or sector analysis:

•  Collects, evaluates, interprets, and analyses qualitative and quantitative socio-economic information obtained from a variety of sources and pertaining to particular sectors, countries, regions, or sustainable development topics.
•  Prepares or helps to prepare drafts of analytical studies of economic and sustainable development issues pertaining to sector, country, region, and the world as a whole, and of policies necessary to deal with these issues (e.g., analysis of economic growth, resource efficiency, resilience to economic and environmental shocks, trends in implementation of the 2030 agenda and the SDGs).
•  Prepares briefing notes, inputs to speeches, and other such material on topical economic and sustainable development issues in a form that is readily accessible by non-specialists.
•  Maintains databases covering both quantitative and qualitative information and programmes necessary for management and organization of such databases.
•  Assists in designing, testing, using, and carrying out necessary modification of econometric models and other sustainable development policy support tools.
•  Assists in organizing and servicing expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on topical economic and sustainable development issues.

Intergovernmental support:

•  Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies.
•  Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares their summary reports and other relevant output.
•  Prepares inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to various economic and sustainable development issue related meetings.
•  Assists in organizing panels, round tables, etc. necessary for inter-governmental processes pertaining to economic and sustainable development issues.

Technical cooperation:

•  Compiles and analyses data and other information necessary for preparing relevant technical cooperation project proposals in the area of economic and sustainable development. Uses systems analysis for integrated planning and development scenarios.
•  Participates in drafting of technical cooperation programmes and projects.
•  Prepares material necessary for approval of regional, country or sector specific technical cooperation projects.
•  Monitors, backstops, supports the implementation of and assesses the implementation of approved technical cooperation programmes and projects.

General:

•  Conducts data analysis for a variety of reasons; and keeps abreast of latest tools and techniques to do so.
•  Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services.
•  Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

Competencies
Professionalism:

•  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

Technological Awareness:

•  Keeps abreast of available technology
•  Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the Office
•  Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks
•  Shows willingness to learn new technology

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

• At least a first-level university degree (i.e., Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree of at least three years) in an area of study relevant to Economics. Candidates with an advanced degree are encouraged to apply. Degrees accepted must be in Economics or a related field, in one of the following areas (to be selected from the “Main Course of Study” dropdown menu):
• Social & Behavioural Science; Mathematics & Statistics; Business & Administration; Environmental Protection; Agriculture, Forestry & Fishery
• Important: when preparing your application in Inspira, if you do not see your exact degree listed, please choose the field of study that is closest to your degree, from the “Field of Study” and “Main Course of Study” dropdown menus; then type the exact title in original language as well as its translation in English or French in the additional comment boxes. Do NOT select “other” for main course of study or field of study (or you will be automatically disqualified).¿

Work Experience

• No work experience is required. Relevant work experience may be taken into consideration as an additional screening criteria when more than 60 candidates from the same country apply to the same exam area.

Languages

• Fluency (speaking, reading, writing, understanding fluently) in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.