DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:    18 Sep 2009
DATE OF ISSUANCE:    10 Apr 2009
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT:    Department of Economic and Social Affairs
DUTY STATION:    New York
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:    09-ECO-DESA-419796-R

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United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for
Diversity
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Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief, Development Strategy and Policy Analysis
Unit (DSP), the incumbent is responsible for the following duties: Economic
and development policy analysis: 1. Identifies
emerging development issues of potential concern to the international
community, particularly those relating to the macroeconomic and structural
policy challenges of developing countries, linked to the
internationally agreed development goals. 2. Undertakes analysis on key
cross-cutting policy challenges, including those linked to climate change
and conflict. 3. Formulates, organizes and undertakes studies
and writes policy briefs on those development issues, identifying
corresponding strategies, policies and actions for adoption by the
international community; 4. Provides high-level inputs to policy
briefs and resolutions for the intergovernmental process; 5. Takes shared
responsibility for policy research and reporting, among others for the
Department’s flagship report World Economic and Social Survey, and
commissions economic studies and analyses that cannot be undertaken
internally; 6. Conceives, plans and manages expert group meetings and
similar consultations that contribute to this work; 7. Prepares speeches for
senior staff and makes presentations on development issues for specialist or
non-specialist audiences; 8. Represents the Office at international,
regional and national meetings on development issues; and  9. Initiates and
develops links with other UN agencies, academic research networks and
development practitioners on issues related to the main tasks. Managerial
tasks: 1. Contributes to the formulation of the medium-term plan, the
programme of work and
the budget of the Division; 2. Attends to various administrative matters
concerning the Division; and 3. Supervises and gives leadership to work of
other economists in the Division assigned to
work with the Principal Officer.

Competencies
Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in
quantitative and qualitative analysis of economic development policy
issues. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics,
determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by
different sources. Ability to assess economic policies and make
recommendations on their implementation. Ability to apply and interpret
up-to-date statistical and quantitative techniques for
economic analysis. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates
professional competence and mastery of economic analysis; is conscientious
and efficient in meeting commitments, and shows
persistence and professionalism when faced with difficult problems or
challenges. Communications: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
shares information and is a good communicator; tailors communication to
match audience. 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. Technological Awareness: Keeps
abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of
technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to
appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. 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; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts
joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Leadership: Serves as a role
model that other people want to follow; provides leadership
and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring
the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates
knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in
staffing. 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; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Managing Performance:
Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making
authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are
clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and
resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors
progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance
and provides feedback
and coa
encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively
supports the development and career aspirations of staff;appraises
performance fairly.

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QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in
macroeconomics, microeconomics, development economics, public economics or
related field. A first-level university degree in
combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the
advanced university degree. A PhD in the relevant area is desirable.

Work Experience
At least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in
the application of principles and concepts of economics in various contexts,
especially from a developmental perspective. At
least ten years experience in providing in-depth quantitative and
qualitative analysis of a wide range of development issues is required.
Experience in servicing expert group meetings on issues
relevant to the position is desirable. Experience with country-level
development policy advice is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations
Secretariat. For the post advertised fluency in oral and written English is
required. Knowledge of a second official UN language is an
advantage.

Other Skills
A strong record of international published academic and policy-oriented
papers, articles, books and/or reports is required.