Economic Affairs Officer
DESA - UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Posted
Mar 12, 2026
Location
USA
Type
Full-time
Mission
What you will drive
**
*
Economic Affairs Officer, New York, United States
*
-
Organization:
Department of Economic and Social Affairs -
Country:
USA -
City:
New York
- Office:
DESA New York, USA
- Grade:
P-3
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Policy Analysis and Development Branch, Financing for Sustainable Development Office of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Financing for Sustainable Development Office provides coherent and integrated support to Member States in addressing the issues related to financing for development, as well as the means of implementation for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More information can be found at: http://www.un.org/esa/ffd/. The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of the Policy Analysis and Development Branch.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the duties of the Economic Affairs Officer will be the following: Economic or sector analysis
- Develops socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or ad hoc assignments on financing for sustainable development, particularly related the alignment of private investment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Analyses the effects of alternative policies and assumptions on SDG-related investment and identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics.
- Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on initiatives and standards related to impact measurement and sustainable investing, as well as the underlying assumptions of methodologies in this area such as sustainability ratings and taxonomies.
- Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on sustainable development investing-related issues.
- Establishes and maintains relationship with core partners of the GISD Alliance, including but not limited to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Global Compact, the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the World Bank.
- Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff. General
- Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services.
- Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing sources for data collection. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- 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; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics, finance, business, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required. At least three years of experience in the field of sustainable and ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing, corporate sustainability reporting, or sustainability data is required. Experience coordinating multistakeholder initiatives, including both private and public sector organizations, is required. Experience working in international financial institutions or multilateral organizations, is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English** UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This position is funded through extrabudgetary resources. The appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal will be subject to the availability of the position and funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. External candidates selected for this position will be subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited)” in accordance with sections 2.2(c) and 2.4 of administrative instruction ST/AI/2025/3 on the administration of appointments. Staff member of other United Nations system organizations who are signatories of the inter-organization agreement concerning transfer, secondment or loan of staff who are selected for this position will be reassigned to the position on secondment arrangements only. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employme...
Profile
What makes you a great fit
**
*
Economic Affairs Officer, New York, United States
*
-
Organization:
Department of Economic and Social Affairs -
Country:
USA -
City:
New York
- Office:
DESA New York, USA
- Grade:
P-3
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Policy Analysis and Development Branch, Financing for Sustainable Development Office of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Financing for Sustainable Development Office provides coherent and integrated support to Member States in addressing the issues related to financing for development, as well as the means of implementation for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More information can be found at: http://www.un.org/esa/ffd/. The Economic Affairs Officer reports to the Chief of the Policy Analysis and Development Branch.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the duties of the Economic Affairs Officer will be the following: Economic or sector analysis
- Develops socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or ad hoc assignments on financing for sustainable development, particularly related the alignment of private investment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Analyses the effects of alternative policies and assumptions on SDG-related investment and identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics.
- Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on initiatives and standards related to impact measurement and sustainable investing, as well as the underlying assumptions of methodologies in this area such as sustainability ratings and taxonomies.
- Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on sustainable development investing-related issues.
- Establishes and maintains relationship with core partners of the GISD Alliance, including but not limited to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Global Compact, the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the World Bank.
- Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff. General
- Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services.
- Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing sources for data collection. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- 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; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics, finance, business, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area is required. At least three years of experience in the field of sustainable and ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing, corporate sustainability reporting, or sustainability data is required. Experience coordinating multistakeholder initiatives, including both private and public sector organizations, is required. Experience working in international financial institutions or multilateral organizations, is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English** UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This position is funded through extrabudgetary resources. The appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal will be subject to the availability of the position and funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. External candidates selected for this position will be subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited)” in accordance with sections 2.2(c) and 2.4 of administrative instruction ST/AI/2025/3 on the administration of appointments. Staff member of other United Nations system organizations who are signatories of the inter-organization agreement concerning transfer, secondment or loan of staff who are selected for this position will be reassigned to the position on secondment arrangements only. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employme...