Economic Advisor (Trade) - Economic Affairs Division
Reference: 111100363
Location: London, UK
Closing Date: 14 Dec 2011
General Information
The Economic Affairs Division is responsible for the Secretariat’s programmes on national and international economic issues and, with other divisions, for assisting member countries to improve economic management and governance. It plays a key role in helping to identify solutions to the economic problems affecting Commonwealth countries; in achieving an international consensus on these solutions; and in providing advice to governments on policy development. Practical assistance for economic development is a core Secretariat activity and a high priority for governments.
The International Finance and Capital Markets Section undertakes policy development, advisory services, advocacy and consensus-building on national and international economic and financial issues. It is responsible for organising and delivering the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting and the Commonwealth Ministerial Debt Sustainability Forum. Workshops are also held to develop common positions and build consensus; share knowledge and experience; and disseminate the outcomes of analytical/diagnostic work. In addition the Section contributes to the Division’s research and publication programme.
Job summary
Job roles in the Secretariat evolve with both the changing mandates received from member countries and the skills of the team. Currently, this post is responsible for taking forward the Section’s work in collaboration with the Head of Section on debt issues, reform of the international aid architecture and innovative finance for development. The post holder also has a role in the monitoring and assessment of developments in the global economy on Commonwealth countries and contributing to G20 policy development work of the section and Finance Ministers Meetings. The post-holder will be required to have a mix of skills including knowledge of the complex international economic issues of current interest and a willingness to learn new skills.
Task description
The post-holder will be responsible for:
- Developing and taking forward the Commonwealth’s commitment to reform of the international aid architecture through the design of a post-Busan work programme, including include work on issues such as transparency and accountability; the catalytic role of aid; domestic resource mobilisation; south-south cooperation and the climate finance architecture.
- Taking forward the Secretariat’s policy and advocacy work on debt. This will include promoting research on exogenous shocks, counter-cyclical loans and non-concessional borrowing.
- Developing and implementing the Commonwealth Secretariat’s approach and policy work on innovative finance, with specific responsibility for undertaking and / or managing policy research and analysis; organising meetings; sharing knowledge and experience; advocacy and consensus building.
- Monitoring, evaluating and writing briefs/reports, as necessary, on developments in the world economy, and on general economic and development policies as required. This will include specific responsibility for monitoring the economic outlook in the Commonwealth and writing briefs on this for publication.
- Contributing technical support to the G20 policy development work of the section.
In addition the post holder will also:
- Assist in preparing briefs and speaking notes for the division and for senior management and respond to ad-hoc enquiries as appropriate;
- Liaise, develop and maintain working relations with other Divisions with the Secretariat, with Senior Officials in national capitals of member countries, High Commissions, international organisations, IFIs and non-governmental organisations;
- Build new partnerships with international organisations in these areas and secure additional funding to further expand and develop the work programme;
- Support the Section Head in preparing sectional budgets and work plans, and sectional contributions to the Commonwealth Strategic plan.
- Perform any other duties as may be required from time to time.
Person specification
Education:
Post-Graduate degree in Economics, with sound quantitative skills
or
relevant Post-Graduate degree with strong Economic components.
Desirable:
A specialisation in international economics and/or International Development Finance
Experience:
- At least seven years experience in economic analysis and policy formulation and financing for development at a senior management level in a government, international financial institution or research organisation (including NGO).
- Extensive experience of working in (or on) developing countries
Desirable:
- Practical knowledge of the workings of the international financial institutions.
- A demonstrated track record of project and programme management.
- A demonstrated track record in publications on financing for development issues
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