UN Conference on Trade and Development

• Location
  Geneva, Switzerland
• Sector
  Non Profit
• Experience
  Mid Career

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Trade Facilitation Section, Trade Logistics Branch of the Division on Technology and Logistics in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Trade Facilitation Section, the incumbent will be responsible for: Economic or sector analysis:

• Develops databases and qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or ad hoc assignments related to trade facilitation and logistics.
• Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts data to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions.
• Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of trade facilitation and logistics.
• Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to trade facilitation and logistics.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions.
• Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues.
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff. Intergovernmental support
• Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies.
• Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports.
• Prepares inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings.
• Assists in the organization of panels, round tables etc. on development issues for intergovernmental processes. Technical cooperation
• Participates in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team.
• Organizes training seminars for national experts.
• Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects.
• Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects.
• Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.
• Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services.
• Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development, specifically in the field of trade facilitation and trade logistics. Knowledge about provision of technical assistance and of its challenges within trade facilitation. Knowledge of project management tools and ability to apply them for trade facilitation initiatives. 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 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.
• 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.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required. Of which at least two years of experience in the field of trade facilitation is desirable. Experience in implementing capacity building projects in developing countries in the field of trade facilitation is desirable. Experience in managing online learning management systems is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in English and French is required; knowledge of Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is also desirable.

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