Economic Affairs Advisor

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

This position is located in the Economic Unit of the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY). The incumbent will report directly to the Senior Economic Affairs Officer.

Functional Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

Economic or sector analysis:

• Monitors issues related to sustainable development and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of interest or concern to OSESGY’s Mandate.
• Designs and conducts studies of selected issues in Yemen, relating to economic policy design and negotiations support, including but not limited to, banking and monetary cooperation, private sector engagement and fostering internal trade, fiscal and monetary policy, natural resources, and telecommunications. Studies should take into consideration cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, and Sustainable Development Goals.
• Develops draft policy recommendations for multiple audiences, including to inform senior management considerations.
• Formulates proposals on key economic issues, covering negotiations strategies, policies, and measures in support of the Special Envoy’s Good Offices role.
• Participates in international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with national interlocutors, UN entities, subregional intergovernmental organizations, academic institutes, private sector, and civil society.
• Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on issues of relevance to the Unit’s work.
• Prepares speeches, talking points, PowerPoint presentations, briefing materials and other inputs for used by senior staff.
• Pursues active collaboration with the Resident Coordinator’s Office and the UN Country Team for Yemen as well as for partner organisations in undertaking abovementioned tasks.
• Represents OSESGY at international, regional and national meetings.

Technical Advisory Support:

• Designs and monitors technical cooperation projects that aim to support the objectives of the Special Envoy’s Good Offices role as well as the peace process.
• Undertakes regular missions to Yemen and other member states, either independently or as a participant in a diverse team.
• Conducts training seminars and workshops for representatives of the parties, and other key stakeholders.

General Support: - Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback. - Participates in intra-OSESGY undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the Economic Unit. - Performs other related duties as required, including administrative tasks. - Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or related field is required.

• A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

  Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in research and analysis, policy formulation, technical cooperation and application of sustainable development principles in policies and programmes is required.

• Working experience in the sub-region (Arabian Peninsula) is desirable.
• Experience working in conflict settings and providing advisory support to mediation efforts is an asset.
• Experience in establishing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including national officials; academic institutions, civil society and/or the private sector is desirable.

• Experience in the United Nations Common System or international organizations is desirable.

  Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of economic challenges in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Economies, and in particular public sector management. Ability to identify issues, formulate options and make conclusions and recommendations. 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 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 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International IICA Contract level: IICA3 Contract duration:Initial contract for 6 months

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.