Responsibilities

The post is located in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Division on Investment and Enterprise (DIAE). Under the general supervision of the Head of the Investment Analysis Branch, and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Investment-Related Development Issues Section, the incumbent will undertake the following: (1) Perform and supervise research on issues related to FDI and the activities of TNCs, and their role and impact in economic development. Responsibilities and duties of the post-holder in this regard include: a) Defining, designing and implementing research projects on relevant priority and recurrent areas, to be undertaken in response to the mandates provided by the quadrennial Conference and the Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission; b) Supervising professional and other staff in the Investment-related Development Issues Section of the Branch, including on research projects related to FDI, TNCs and their impact on development; c) Interpreting and applying the results of research studies with respect to economic and development implications, and input into policy formulation; d) Preparing reports containing the findings of these research activities for presentation to the Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission and for issuance as United Nations publications, in particular the World Investment Report; e) Organising expert group meetings and seminars; f) Developing and managing technical assistance projects on FDI and TNCs; g) Liaising at a peer level with the international research community, think tanks and other research institutions; participation in relevant meetings of the research community. (2) Assist the Chief of Section and Head of the Branch in maintaining relations and coordination with other United Nations agencies, specialized agencies, other international and regional organizations, academia, business and other representatives of the civil society. (3) Assist the Chief of Section and Head of Branch in other related duties, as required, including relevant administrative tasks and support of junior staff (e.g. reviewing their work and providing feedback). 

Competencies

 PROFESSIONALISM:__Demonstrated master of subject matter, especially in the ability to apply economic, business and development theories to research on issues related to FDI and the activitiy of TNCs. Strong and proven ability to conduct independent research and supervise others. Excellent analytic abilities, as demonstrated by publications relevant to the subject matter; and ability to think and act innovatively. Sound technical expertise in the area of international investment (especially statistics) and ability to determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data; ability to assess the quality of research and studies undertaken by experts and consultants. The post holder will be motivated by professional concerns; persistent in the face of obstacles and challenges; and able to work in support of, and in cooperation with others.__  COMMUNICATION:__ Excellent communication and liaison skills. Speaks and writes clearly and effectively, and tailors language, tone and style to match the circumstances. Able to get difficult messages across clearly and diplomatically. Excellent drafting ability; ability to prepare written reports, based on sound information, that are clear, concise and meaningful.__  TEAMWORK:__Excellent interpersonal skills. Proven ability to build trust, lead and manage teams and gain assistance of others in a team endeavour. Ability to establish and main an effective working relationship with people of different national and cultural backgrounds and respect for diversity.__  PLANNING AND ORGANIZING:__Proven ability to plan, organize and monitor analytical research as well as technical assistance projects in order to meet targets and achieve results, including developing clear goals and outputs consistent with agreed priorities. A track record of co-ordinating large-scale, long-term and international projects, activities and events.__ 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, international business or related field. 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic research in the areas of international economics and international investment. 

Languages
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French, is an advantage. 

Other Skills
 
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).   English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.  The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

 How to apply

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Because applications submitted by United Nations (UN) staff members are considered first, provided the eligibility requirements set out in ST/AI/2006/3 are met and the application is submitted in a timely fashion, staff members should apply within 15-day or 30-day mark.

Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please go to “My UN” page and check the status of your application by clicking on “View Application History”, and resubmit the application, if necessary.

To start the application process, applicants are required to register by opening a "My UN" account. Go to Login, and Register as a User. Fill in the form and choose a User Name and Password.

After opening the account, applicants may apply for vacancies using the Personal History Profile (PHP) provided. Once the PHP has been completed for a particular vacancy, it can be saved and used for future applications. The PHP may be up-dated, when necessary, for future applications.

In completing the PHP, please note that all fields marked with an asterisk must be completed.

UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the appropriate Human Resources Office (HRO)/Personnel Office (PO) to the email address below, clearly indicating the vacancy announcement number. In case you have no access to the digitizing equipment, please submit hard copies of the two latest PAS reposts to the relevant HRO/PO via fax.

E-mail: hrms@unog.ch,

Fax: 41-22-917- 0074