Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Trade Facilitation Section of the Trade Logistics Branch in the Division on Technology and Logistics of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Chief of Section reports to the Head of the Trade Logistics Branch.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Trade Logistics Branch and within delegated authority, the Chief of the Trade Facilitation Section will be responsible for the following duties: Economic or sectoral analysis • Leads or participates in the formulation, organization and management of mandated programmes of economic analysis in the area of trade and transport facilitation, and the formulation of possible economic strategies, policies and actions for adoption by the international community. • Leads or participates in the identification of new or emerging development issues of potential concern to the international community in the area of trade and transport facilitation, particularly those of a regional or global nature, and designs and develops programmes and policy advice to address them. • Supervises a team of staff undertaking this work. • Commissions economic studies and analyses that cannot be undertaken internally. • Conceives, plans and manages expert group meetings, seminars and similar consultations that contribute to the finalization of the work unit’s outputs. • Finalizes reports on development for issuance by the United Nations. • Prepares speeches for senior staff and makes presentations on economic issues for specialist or non-specialist audiences. Technical cooperation • Develops and maintains relations with senior officials of member governments and ensures a response to requests for advice and/or assistance on trade and transport facilitation. • Negotiates with donor and recipient governments on technical assistance programmes and projects. • Organizes and coordinates cooperation among Member States on economic programmes or issues. • Leads or participates in technical cooperation missions. Programme support • Functions as the Chief of the Trade Facilitation Section within the Trade Logistics Branch, DTL. • Contributes to the formulation of the medium-term plan, the programme of work and the budget of the section and participate in the formulation of the organization's overall programme of work and other similar endeavours. • Attends to various administrative matters concerning the larger organizational unit (Section or Division). • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in international trade and transport procedures and relevant international and regional agreements. Extensive knowledge and applicability of multilateral trade agreements such as the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Ability to develop economic policies and make recommendations on their implementation. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of trade and transport facilitation; 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. • 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. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. • 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 improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. 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. • Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes is required. Out of these, at least five (5) years of experience in trade and transport facilitation is required. Experience in resource mobilization and management of technical cooperation programmes related to trade facilitation is desirable. Work experience in international organizations, funds or programmes is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Spanish or Russian or Chinese (Mandarin) or Arabic or French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).