Principal Economic Affairs Officer

Organizational Context

This Principal Economic Affairs Officer position is within the Strategic Planning and Communications Service (SPCS) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) at the UN Secretariat in New York. The role leads SPCS, focusing on policy and strategy formulation in thought leadership, strategic planning, communications, and ICT governance. The incumbent represents DESA in relevant policy bodies and reports to the Chief of Office of the Under-Secretary-General.

Job Purpose

The Principal Economic Affairs Officer is responsible for leading the Strategic Planning and Communications Service (SPCS) within the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). This involves formulating policies and strategies for thought leadership, strategic planning, communications, and ICT governance. The role supports senior management by defining strategic priorities, coordinating departmental goals, and enhancing foresight on cross-cutting issues. The incumbent ensures strategic integration and policy coherence across DESA divisions and with other Secretariat entities to meet intergovernmental mandates. They provide oversight for analytical work, ensuring publications and policy briefs are robust and aligned with organizational objectives. Additionally, the role guides the Department's strategic communications and ICT strategies, manages budgets, supervises staff, and represents the Service in various forums.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include supporting the Under-Secretary-General and Assistant Secretaries-General in defining strategic priorities and coordinating departmental goals. The role involves leading and supervising the work programme of the Service, coordinating inter-unit work, and conducting substantive reviews. The incumbent supports senior management in thought leadership and analytical work, acting as Secretary for key advisory boards. They strengthen inter-divisional collaboration to address emerging challenges and promote policy coherence. Responsibilities also encompass providing strategic direction for analytical work, ensuring the quality and relevance of publications and policy briefs, and overseeing the preparation of annual plans and performance reports. The role manages the strategic communications plan, ICT strategy, departmental compliance, and administrative tasks including budgeting and staff performance evaluation. Furthermore, the incumbent is responsible for recruitment, staff development, fostering teamwork, and representing the Service at meetings and conferences.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development research and policy analysis within an international environment is required. This includes at least five years in strategic planning within a global sustainable development context. Experience managing complex programmes, diverse teams, producing publications with substantive review, and developing communication materials is also required. Experience in intergovernmental support and inter-agency engagement is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Communication, Accountability, Leadership, Judgement/Decision-making, Strategic Planning, Policy Analysis, Thought Leadership, Communications Strategy, ICT Governance, Programme Management, Staff Supervision, Intergovernmental Support, Inter-agency Engagement.

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