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Chief, UNCTAD New York Office

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has the objective to assist developing countries, especially least developed countries, and countries with economies in transition to integrate beneficially into the global economy. This position is located in UNCTAD's New York Office. The Chief, UNCTAD New York Office will report directly to the Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD as well as the Chief of the Office of the Secretary-General of UNCTAD
 
Responsibilities
 
Within delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Office of the Secretary-General of UNCTAD, the Chief UNCTAD New York Office is responsible for the following: Represents UNCTAD within the UN Secretariat and at intergovernmental meetings at Headquarters; submits related reports drawing attention to points of interest to UNCTAD and recommends follow-up, in order to promote implementation of UNCTAD's mandates. Maintains close contact with New York delegations with a view to exchanging information and enhancing their Government's understanding of UNCTAD's activities. Promotes the work of UNCTAD and disseminates written and oral information on UNCTAD's role, mandate and programmes to UN community, media, academia, NGO's and civil society representatives in the context of the UN Development Agenda, the outcomes of major conferences and General Assembly resolutions. Ensures coordination with UN bodies, organs and Specialized Agencies with a view to reflecting UNCTAD's member States priorities and exploiting synergies. Acts as a focal point between UNCTAD Geneva and UN Headquarters.
 
Competencies
 
PROFESSIONALISM:
Advanced first hand knowledge of UN activities in the economic sector in particular UNCTAD's role, mandates and activities; proven ability to produce high quality written output and oral presentations. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

COMMUNICATION:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda.

LEADERSHIP:
Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions.

JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING:
Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization.
 
Education
 
Advanced university degree in economics or closely related field with exposure to economic development, international trade or international economic relations. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree
 
Work Experience
 
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international organizations and/or government with substantial international experience, in particular on trade and development issues, and participation in intergovernmental deliberations thereon. Proven experience in making presentations to stakeholders on substantive issues of relevance to UNCTAD. Experience in coordinating a team for the delivery of a work programme.
 
Languages
 
Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other official UN languages is highly desirable.
 
Assessment Method
 
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written assessment. Only successful candidates who have passed the first round assessment will be contacted to undergo the second round of assessment (Competency-based interviews).
 
Special Notice
 
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.

https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=31056