Lowongan Kerja Economic Affairs Officer, Bangkok

Job Title: ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, P3
Department/ Office: DISASTER RISK REDUCTION SECTION
Duty Station: BANGKOK
Posting Period: 11 August 2010-10 October 2010
Job Opening number: 10-ADM-escap idd drrs-15943-R-BANGKOK
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Disaster Risk Reduction Section (DRS) of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD), ESCAP, Bangkok. The Economic Affairs Officer reports directly to the Chief of DRS.

Responsibilities
The Economic Affairs Officer is responsible for the following duties:

Economic analysis: (a) Develops socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for regular and ad hoc analysis of socio-economic impacts of disasters; (b) Determines trends and patterns of socio-economic impacts of disasters and analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions; (c) Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of economic development; (d) Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to disaster risk management; (e) Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions; (g) Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on disaster risk management issues; and (h) Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff.

Intergovernmental support: (a) Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies, including the Typhoon Committee and the Panel on Tropical Cyclones; (b) Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports; (c) Prepares inputs to statements by members of the Bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings; and (d) Assists in the organization of panels, round tables, etc. on development issues for intergovernmental processes.

Technical cooperation: (a) Participates in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team; (b) Organizes training seminars for national experts; (c) Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects; (d) Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects; and (e) Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.

General: (a) Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit's services; and (b) 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. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing sources for data collection. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of disaster risk management; 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 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.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or disaster risk management or related field.

Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in disaster risk management research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area, including experience at the international level is required. Experience in assessment of socio-economic impacts of natural disasters in developing countries is desirable. Knowledge of strategic planning and management or related methodologies for integration of disaster risk management into socio-economic development process is an advantage. Knowledge of disaster risk management of the Asian-Pacific region is an asset.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

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.

Assessment Method
Technical test and competency-based interview.