ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 168,113 USD and 216,746 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Sustainable Energy Section of the Sustainable Energy Division (SED) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Under the direct supervision of the P5, Chief of Section, and the general supervision of the D1, Chief, Sustainable Energy Division, the incumbent is responsible for servicing Groups of Experts under the Committee on Sustainable Energy. Groups of Experts carry out concrete, results-oriented activities developed and implemented with active participation of UNECE member States, representatives from the energy, business and financial sectors and civil society, international organizations, independent experts and academia. The Groups of Experts concentrate on: (a) regulatory and policy dialogue; (b) developing and sharing best practices and eventually standards; and (c) assessment and dissemination of policies in support of sustainable energy. The incumbent will provide full and complete support of activities to deliver on work plans and instructions from the relevant Groups of Experts.

The incumbent assists in broader implementation of UNECE sustainable energy sub-programme mandates, technical assistance projects, and extra-budgetary fundraising. The incumbent designs, researches, and/or provides oversight on policy analyses and preparation and dissemination of studies on sustainable energy. The objectives of the post are to encourage cooperation and joint action among member States to attain sustainable energy. The incumbent will assist member States in formulating relevant policies and programmes to meet future energy requirements in an environmentally and socially acceptable way. The incumbent will collaborate with other relevant programme managers on the design and implementation of the ECE sustainable energy sub-programme.

This position is temporarily available from 15 January 2023 to 15 July 2023, with possibility of extension.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:

- Supports the work of the Committee on Sustainable Energy and its subsidiary bodies;

- As secretary of a Group of Experts, leads, coordinates and manages the Group and, in this context, develops and maintains an excellent rapport with the elected Bureau and members of the Group. This activity includes identifying additional Bureau members and liaising with the Geneva missions, capitals and colleagues to strengthen the Group;

- Prepares all pre- and post-session documentation for the Groups of Experts’ meetings, including, at a minimum, work plans and their deliverables, agendas and session reports, for all Task Forces that the Group might decide to create;

- Drives implementation of the approved work plan. Provides thought leadership and prepares information and material to identify key activities and elements for the Group of Experts. This duty spans all areas related to sustainable energy based on respective work plans and mandates. It involves monitoring developments in the field of sustainable energy and identifying issues of concern;

- Develops value-added activities on sustainable energy, co-ordinates and prepares studies, papers or inputs on key issues on sustainable energy, promoting exchange of know-how and best practices. Organizes events (fora, conferences, workshops, seminars, etc.) to promote the sustainable energy activities of UNECE and build capacity in sustainable energy. Prepares technical cooperation project concept notes and/or proposals undertaken under the auspices of the Committee on Sustainable Energy to facilitate the convergence of legal, regulatory, and policy measures. Supports the development of policy recommendations pertaining to the sustainable development and use of sustainable energy, access to modern energy services, and the development and fuller integration of the energy economies and energy infrastructure of member States. Formulates proposals for strategies, policies and measures, including the development of norms, standards, and guidelines;

- Contributes to fund-raising efforts and to coordinating the use of these resources or possible projects in support of UNECE energy activities;

- Improves outreach-related activities of SED to highlight the Group of Experts’ contribution to meeting member States’ needs. Prepares presentations, speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior UNECE staff and Bureau members. This activity includes regular updates of the Division website and contact database in relation to the work of the Group of Experts;

- Strengthens the network of international energy experts and liaises with stakeholders to exchange information, best-practices and lessons learned to coordinate cross-sectoral technical cooperation activities and to provide regular information on activities to avoid duplication. Develops, negotiates, drafts and coordinates cooperation agreements and activities with partner organizations;

- Identifies opportunities to accelerate attainment of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement, including regional and national implementation of relevant agreements, and encourage cooperation with key stakeholders. Coordinates the Sustainable Energy Division contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda;

- Coordinates with colleagues in programme planning, monitoring and evaluation, in particular for the performance evaluations and reporting of deliverables, outputs, and outcomes through Umoja (the ERP system for the United Nations);

- Participates in undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of UNECE. Performs other duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the Division's services.

Competencies Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts on energy topics, conduct independent research and produce reports. 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.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

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.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in economics, sustainable development, sciences, engineering, technology or any energy-related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of seven years progressively responsible experience in energy and sustainable development is required.

At least two years experience in project management and servicing governmental or intergovernmental bodies and activities for either governmental or non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, governments, academia or the private sector is required.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and Russian is a working language of ECE. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; knowledge of French or Russian is desirable.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

• This position is temporarily available from 15 January 2023 through 15 July 2023, with possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 July 2022, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, China, Comoros, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.