Economic Affairs Officer (Regional Advisor – Gender Economist), P3

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA unescwa.org) forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This position is under Cluster 2: ‘Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development’ of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Economic Affairs Officer (Regional Advisor – Gender Economist) will report directly to the Senior Social Affairs Officer (Gender Affairs).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Economic Affairs Officer (Regional Advisor – Gender Economist) will be responsible for the following duties:

ECONOMIC AND/OR SECTOR ANALYSIS:

• Carries out substantive research projects analyzing key trends and changes in socio- economic structures and related issues such as labour market, poverty, disability, women economic empowerment; social protection, gender issues, cost of violence against women and gender inequality, at global, regional and national levels; assesses implications and develops proposals with respect to socioeconomic development and social welfare policies and interventions;
• Develops socio-economic research, policy briefs and qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or ad hoc assignments;
• Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts econometric models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions;
• Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of socioeconomic development;
• Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics;
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions;
• Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues;
• 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 and ESCWA intergovernmental bodies (such as ESCWA Executive Committee, ESCWA Social Development Committee, ESCWA Committee on Women, the Economic and Social Council);
• Assists in the organization of panels, round tables etc. on development issues for intergovernmental processes.

TECHNICAL COOPERATION:

• Participates in missions in areas related to socioeconomic development in a broader sense taking into consideration employment, gender equality, disability, social inclusion and social inequality. This includes providing support to member States on developing national strategies and policies in relevant areas;
• Organizes training seminars for national experts;
• Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects;
• Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects;
• Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.

GENERAL:

• 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: Knowledge of gender equality and related fields. Ability to apply principles and concepts of gender equality in relation to government, the private sector, civil society and international organizations. Ability to apply modern techniques of analyzing social phenomena. Ability to conduct conceptual and strategic analyses. Ability to analyze and articulate the gender dimension of complex issues. 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;
• 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.

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.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required;
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in gender equality, gender issues and human rights is desirable;
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable;
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the Arab Region is desirable;
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the formulation, management, supervision and implementation of cooperation activities and projects is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Arabic is also a working language of ESCWA;
• For this position, fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Application instructions

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