ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), a regional commission of the United Nations, contributes to the economic and social development of Latin America and the Caribbean. Established in 1948, its mission includes policy design, monitoring, evaluation, and providing advisory services and training to governments. This Economic Affairs Officer role reports to the Chief of the International Trade and Integration Division.

Job Purpose

The Economic Affairs Officer will contribute to ECLAC's mission by conducting economic and sector analysis, particularly in infrastructure, transport, and logistics within the Latin American and Caribbean region. This involves monitoring economic developments, identifying emerging issues, and designing and conducting studies. The role requires interpreting economic data, developing policy recommendations, and formulating development strategies for presentation to intergovernmental bodies. Additionally, the officer will provide substantive support to intergovernmental bodies, represent the organization in meetings, and potentially engage in technical cooperation activities, including advising national governments and conducting training seminars. The position also involves data analysis and visualization to support planning and decision-making.

Responsibilities

The Economic Affairs Officer will focus on economic and sector analysis, monitoring regional developments in infrastructure, transport, and logistics, and identifying key issues. This includes designing and conducting studies, drafting reports, and interpreting economic data to inform international trade prospects and policies. The role involves developing draft policy recommendations and formulating proposals for development strategies for intergovernmental bodies. Responsibilities also extend to providing substantive support to intergovernmental forums, representing the organizational unit at meetings, and organizing expert group meetings. Furthermore, the officer will design and monitor technical cooperation projects, undertake missions to member states, and prepare analyses to advise national governments. Training seminars and workshops for government officials are also part of the duties, alongside formulating technical modalities for project evaluation. General duties include supporting junior staff, participating in broader departmental undertakings, and performing administrative tasks. Data collection, analysis, and visualization for planning and reporting are also key functions.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in economic research, analysis, and policy formulation is required. Experience applying economic principles to international trade, infrastructure, transport, and logistics is essential. Publications in economics or related fields are also required. Experience providing advisory services to governments or NGOs, project coordination and management, and data analytics are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism in economic theory application and research; strong communication skills (written and verbal); effective planning and organizing abilities; and skills in empowering others through delegation and accountability.

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