Economic Affairs Officer, DMD/TMI

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Trade and Market Intelligence (TMI) is part of the International Trade Centre’s Division of Market Development (DMD). It has developed a range of tools for strategic and operational market research, focusing on products and markets of interest to developing countries and economies in transition, assessing sectoral and national trade performance and trade competitiveness. In parallel to the development and implementation of its market analysis tools, TMI delivers trainings and capacity building programmes on market analysis and research for effective export marketing and strategy development. Drawing on the data and analytical indicators in the tools together with additional desk and empirical research, TMI also conducts studies and analyses tailored to the needs of trade policy officials in national ministries and trade support institutions focusing on strategies for improving trade competitiveness and identifying opportunities for product and market diversification. The goal of this job function is to lead the team working on trade data, tools and analysis. ResponsibilitiesUnder the direct supervision of the Chief, Trade and Market Intelligence, and the general guidance of the Director, Division for Market Development, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Designs, manages and monitors the implementation of technical cooperation projects related to trade intelligence. • Coordinates and improves the collection and analysis of trade-related data through the use of new technologies and the strengthening of partnerships with national and regional data providers. • Leads the maintenance and further evolution of ITC’s trade-related tools and analysis for improved trade competitiveness. • Monitors economic and other developments related to trade and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations. • Applies economic theory to design and conduct analyses and studies of selected issues in trade development and drafts resulting reports. • Identifies trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Interprets and applies results of economic or econometric modelling to analysis of trade prospects and policies. • Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to area of work. • Manages key donor relations including drafting programme documents and agreements, monitoring delivery and reporting on financial and substantive programme outputs and results. • Represents the team at inter-departmental as well as international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions. • Organizes and conducts expert group meetings, workshops, seminars, etc. on trade development issues. • Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff. • Provides guidance and supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback. • 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: Knowledge of statistical software packages, such as R, Stata, SAS or Python. Knowledge of the international trading system and trade-related issues facing developing countries, particularly LDCs. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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. • 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. • MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or related field, such as statistics. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationSuccessful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. A PhD in Economics is desirable Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area, preferably in trade is required. Three (3) years or more of experience in data analytics, applied to international trade, is desirable. Three (3) years or more of experience with statistical software packages, such as Stata, R or Python, is desirable. Experience in strategic planning and budgeting is desirable. Experience in managing web applications using large databases is desirable. Experience in managing trade-related projects and reporting to donors is desirable. Experience in managing staff in a multicultural environment is desirable. Experience in designing capacity building programmes and developing new content is desirable. Experience implementing technical cooperation projects in developing countries and LDCs is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Spanish is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).