Job: Economic Affairs Officer

Location: Athens
Deadline: Wednesday, 21 August 2013 

Description

Department/ Office: Economic Commission for Europe

Duty Station: ATHENS

Posting Period: 22 July 2013-21 August 2013

Job Opening number: 13-ECO-ECE-28137-R-ATHENS (X) United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Trade and Sustainable Housing Division, Global Trade Solutions Section, of UNECE. The incumbent is under the general supervision of the Chief of Section. The post is based in Athens, Greece.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of Section's Chief and Project Manager, the incumbent supports the implementation of the Greek Trade Facilitation Strategy (Roadmap) through the joint technical cooperation project between UNECE, the European Commission and the Government of Greece as follows:

• Designs and monitors the technical cooperation project including undertaking missions either alone or as a participant in a diverse team. Prepares regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on trade facilitation development issues. Organizes and conducts training seminars and workshops for government officials and others. Formulates technical modalities for the evaluation of the technical cooperation project. Supports other project staff (including consultants and technical experts), reviewing their work and providing feedback. Performs other related duties as required, including necessary project administrative tasks.
• Monitors developments in trade and trade facilitation-related areas and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern. Designs and conducts studies on selected issues in economic, trade facilitation-related development and drafts resulting reports. Prepares, regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising beneficiary governments on economic development issues.
• Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to trade facilitation and formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

(1) Demonstrated ability to manage projects related to the implementation of trade policies, simplification of trade procedures and/or logistics in government administrations or the private sector;

(2) Proven ability to develop practical recommendations for implementation based on the application of economic and trade facilitation related concepts to different economic sectors;

(3) Ability to conduct independent research on trade facilitation related topics, and determine the suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources;

(4) Shows pride in work and in achievements, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;

(5) Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;

(6) Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations.

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.

PLANNING& 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.

CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients' and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, trade law, business administration, international relations or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in trade-related economic research, and analysis and/or policy formulation, and application of trade best practices and trade facilitation-related economic principles in development programmes or related area.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of Greek is an asset.

Assessment Method

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

Special Notice

-Appointment against this post is on a yearly basis. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

• Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

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.

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