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Economic Adviser (Small States) - Economic Affairs Division

Reference: 120500403
Location: London, UK
Closing Date: 15 Jun 2012

General Information

The Economic Affairs Division is responsible for the Secretariat’s programmes on national and international economic issues, and 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; and in providing advocacy on the specific problems of small states; in achieving an international consensus on these solutions; in providing advice to governments on policy development. Practical assistance for sustainable economic development is a core Secretariat activity and a high priority for Commonwealth governments.

The Small States, Environment and Economic Management Section consists of a team of seven, focusing on advocacy, policy analysis, policy support and capacity building work to build the economic resilience of small states; and strengthen environmentally sustainable development in all member states.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Head of Section (Small States, Environment and Economic Management), the Economic Adviser (Small States) will provide advice and lead on the following thematic areas: economic vulnerability and building the economic resilience of small states; implementing work identified by the Commonwealth/World Bank Joint Task Force on Small States; preparation of the annual Small States Economic Review and Basic Statistics; and the preparation and delivery of high-level Commonwealth consultations on small states. S/he will be required to develop and implement programmes and projects, as well as publications, briefings and outreach addressing the priority concerns of member states on the economic development of small states.

Task Description

As the lead for SEEM work on small states, the post-holder will:

  • Take a senior technical role in the SEEM team on small states concerns.
  • Monitor, analyse and brief on developments in economic concerns of small states.
  • Support, and liaise with, the Head of Section in the setting of strategic priorities and in the management of small states work programme.
  • Develop and deliver programmes to promote resilience building and economic development of small states, working closely with other staff members in the Section.
  • Support the preparation and implementation of high-level technical and political meetings on small states concerns.
  • Supervise the preparation and future development of the annual Small States Economic Review and Basic Statistics.
  • Implements work to achieve the objectives of the Commonwealth/World Bank Joint Task Force on Small States.
  • Undertake project and budget management.
  • Provide advice, briefings and other input as appropriate to the Secretary-General and Deputies Secretary General.
  • Represent the Commonwealth Secretariat at international meetings, as necessary.
  • Undertake public speaking, facilitate workshops, seminars, consultations and conduct assessment missions.
  • Establish and maintain partnerships and other working relationships with key agencies.
  • Advise and work with other Secretariat divisions in addressing economic concerns of small states.

Person Specification

Education
  • Qualification at post-graduate level in economics, with a strong quantitative grounding.
Experience
  • At least five years’ policy experience, at national and international levels, in the economic and sustainable development of small states.
  • Experience within a governmental, regional or international organisation.
  • Experience of addressing different audiences – such as government officials, politicians, civil society, inter-governmental agencies - in writing and in person.
  • At least three years’ experience in advocacy of small states concerns with governments.
Desirable
  • Over five years’ policy experience, at national and international levels, in the economic and sustainable development of small states.
  • Experience of delivering ministerial consultations.
  • Experience of working effectively and collegially in a small team.

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