Economic affairs (disaster evaluation)
This job posting has closed
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Post number UNA-020-03100-EP-40002.
Responsibilities
This position is located in the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and is focused on the socioeconomic analysis and environmental impact of disasters, including the determination of damage, losses and needs in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, including a gender and cultural perspective. Within delegated authority, reporting to the Executive Secretary of the Commission and under the general supervision of the Director of Programme Planning and Management Division, in coordination with and under the guidance of the Regional Focal Point for Disaster Evaluation, the responsibilities of this post include the economic and sectoral analysis and the provision of technical cooperation and support to intergovernmental coordination in the area of post disaster recovery.
Such duties include: monitoring the economic impact of disasters in the Latin American and Caribbean region; participating in evaluation of such events using tools developed by ECLAC; contributing to the development of draft policy recommendations; formulating proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others; attending international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions; assisting in the organization of expert group meetings, seminars on these issues.
To fulfill these duties, the incumbent undertakes missions to member states as part of the Organization’s technical cooperation activities; prepares global, regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments; and participates in training seminars and workshops for government officials and others. In addition, supports junior staff, by reviewing their work and providing feedback; participates in intra- and inter-departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit; 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: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. 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.
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, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Qualifications
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, social or natural sciences or development-related fields. A first-level university degree in addition to relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation or the application of economic principles in development programmes or related area, as evidenced by a record of publications.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in Spanish and English (both oral and written) is required, as verified through relevant exams, if necessary; knowledge of French is highly desirable.
Other Skills
Familiarity with quantitative techniques and econometric analysis, would be an asset.