Assistant Economic Affairs Officer

UN Secretariat; Genf; On-site; CHF 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations Secretariat in Geneva seeks an Assistant Economic Affairs Officer within UNCTAD's Transport Section to conduct economic and sector analysis of resilient and sustainable transport, logistics, and supply chains.

You will gather data, help develop analytic tools and econometric models, prepare reports for non‑specialists, and support intergovernmental processes and project documentation to advance global transport objectives.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required in economics or related field; or a first-level degree with two additional years of qualifying experience.
• Minimum two years of experience in economic research, data analysis, econometric modeling, or policy formulation.
• Proficiency in English and French; knowledge of additional languages desirable.

Responsibilities

• Economic and sector analysis of transport and logistics systems using socio-economic data.
• Develop and operate econometric models and analytical tools for impact assessments.
• Draft reports, briefing notes and speeches on sustainable transport and trade logistics.
• Support intergovernmental processes by preparing inputs for reports and summaries of meetings.
• Assist in monitoring project implementation and in updating website content.
• Participate in training and perform general administrative duties as required.

Skills

Analytical skills

Policy analysis

Communication

Tech literacy

Teamwork

Education

Advanced university degree in economics or related field

First-level university degree with two years qualifying experience

Job description

Organizational context: This position is within the Transport Section of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva. The section is part of the Division on Technology and Logistics. The Assistant Economic Affairs Officer reports directly to the Chief of the Transport Section, contributing to the division's mandate.

Job purpose: The Assistant Economic Affairs Officer supports the Transport Section in UNCTAD by conducting economic and sector analysis related to resilient and sustainable transport and logistics systems and supply chains. This involves collecting and analyzing data, assisting in the development of analytical tools and models, and preparing reports and briefing materials for non-specialists. The role also contributes to intergovernmental support by preparing inputs for reports and assisting in the organization of meetings and expert group discussions. Furthermore, the position supports technical cooperation efforts by compiling data for project proposals and contributing to project documentation and monitoring, aiming to advance sustainable transport and logistics globally.

Responsibilities: The role involves economic and sector analysis, including collecting, evaluating, and interpreting socio-economic data on transport and logistics systems. The officer will assist in developing and operating econometric models and analytical tools for impact assessments. Responsibilities include drafting reports, briefing notes, and speeches on sustainable transport and trade logistics. Support is provided for intergovernmental processes through preparing inputs for reports and summaries of meetings. In technical cooperation, the officer will help compile data for project proposals, prepare documentation, and assist in monitoring project implementation. General duties include administrative tasks, updating website content, and participating in training.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.

Work experience: For candidates with an advanced degree, no professional work experience is required. Those with a first-level degree need two years of relevant experience. A minimum of two years of experience in economic research, data analysis, economic modeling, or policy formulation is required. Experience in transport, trade, supply chains, organizing events, or international organizations is desirable.

Skills: Professionalism, communication, and technological awareness are key competencies. This includes strong analytical and research skills, effective written and verbal communication, and the ability to apply technology to tasks. Proficiency in English and French is required.

Required languages: English, French

Desired languages: Russian, Chinese, Spanish, Arabic