Economic affairs officer for water and climate change

Responsabilities

Under the general guidance of the Director of the Sustainable Development and Productivity Division (SDPD) and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Water Resources Section, the Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks pertaining to SDPD activities on water resources management, with particular emphasis on climate change related issues:

- Participate in the programmatic/administrative tasks of the Water Resources Section, including the preparation and implementation of the work programme;
- Design and conduct substantive research and analysis on the impact of climate change on water resources and water services in the region;
- Develop models and methods to assess and monitor the vulnerability of hydrological systems to climate change and its associated socio-economic and environmental effects for application in the region;
- Formulate and propose draft climate change adaptation strategies, policies and measures related to the water sector, including measures that support the integrated management of water resources and disaster risk reduction;
- Undertake substantive coordination with Member States, as well as with counterparts at ESCWA and other United Nations entities and regional organizations;
- Contribute substantively to international, regional and national meetings through the preparation and delivery of technical presentations and papers;
- Coordinate the substantive and administrative preparations for expert group meetings, seminars and conferences;
- Support the work of the Division;
- Perform other related duties as may be required.

Competencies

- Professionalism
Expert knowledge of water resources management and climate change, with proven technical expertise in hydrological systems and integrated water resources management as they relate to sustainable development.

- Client Orientation
Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed of anticipated problems; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect.

- Communication
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

- Teamwork
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing other’s ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.

- Creativity
Offers new and different options to solve problems to meet client needs; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”.

Required for external candidates:

Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in one or more of the following disciplines: water resources management, hydrology, engineering or environmental sciences. A first level university degree with a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience in the areas mentioned may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in research, analysis and policy formulation on water resources management, with demonstrated experience in examining climate issues affecting the water sector and integrated water resources management.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and verbal English is required. Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Other skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required.
Working knowledge of hydrological modeling is required.
Working knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) applications is desirable.
Comprehensive knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations is desirable.
Applications will only be accepted when they correspond to specific vacancy announcements.