Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Latin America and the Caribbean Institute for Economic and Social Planning (ILPES), of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of Division. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the five regional Commissions of the United Nations. It was founded in 1948 with the purpose of contributing to the region's economic and social development. Its mission includes the design, monitoring and evaluation of public policies and the provision of advisory services, expertise and training to Governments, as well as support for regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. Please visit our website at www.eclac.org for further information.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the duties of an Economic Affairs Officer are likely to fall mainly into one of the functional areas identified below: Economic or sector analysis: • Assist in the identification of recurring and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations. • Assist senior staff in developing studies of selected issues in economic development and draft resulting reports. • Attends international, regional, and national meetings and supports the discussions with representatives of other institutions. • Assist in the organization of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues. • Provides inputs for the preparation of speeches for presentations by senior staff. • Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of economic development. • 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 senior staff. • Assists in the organization of panels, round tables etc. on development issues for intergovernmental processes. Technical cooperation: • Assist senior staff in preparing technical cooperation projects. • Supports the Organinzation's technical cooperation activities in missions. • Participate in the preparation of global, regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on economic development issues. • Assists the organization and implementation of training seminars and workshops for government officials and others. Data Analysis: • Contribute to the identification, analysis and interpretation of trends or patterns, using statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured sources of information and data. • Contribute to the development of reports, dashboards or other tools to effectively summarize findings and convey information to management. • Contribute to the creation of basic data visualization outputs to aid decision-making and communications of analysis outputs. • Contribute to data preparation and preliminary analysis, support team members in data verification and routine reporting tasks, help in administrative aspects of the work plan. General: • Participates in intra- and inter-Departmental meetings. • 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.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of economic theories and their application. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to undertake research, analyse data, make recommendations and write reports. 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. • 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

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in 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 Qualification
Not available.

Work Experience

Applicants to positions at this level who have an advanced university degree in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. For applicants who have a first level university degree, two additional years of qualifying work experience is required. A minimum of one year of experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is desirable. One year of experience in data analysis, foresight methods, technology watch, or a related field is desirable. Experience in foresight, anticipatory governance or related areas is desirable. Experience in public management and territorial development planning is desirable. Knowledge of economic theories and their application in territorial development processes is desirable.