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Vacancy Announcement No: UPU/19/P3/CAB/240
Title: Economist
Grade: P3
Type of contract: Cabinet
Duration: Three years
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Publication Date:
8 January 2019
Application Deadline:
18 February 2019
Vacancy Filled
Organizational Unit:
Executive Office (DIRCAB)
Duty Station:
Bern Switzerland
Scheduled date for taking up appointment: As soon as possible
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Organizational Context:
With its 192 member countries, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players. It helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services.
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Main duties:
Within the Executive Office and under the guidance of the Research and Strategy Programme Manager, conduct economic research and big data analytics in order to support the development, monitoring and evaluation of the UPU's strategy.
1. Support the Research and Strategy Programme Manager in the production of the UPU's key macroeconomic and postal indicators, including those associated with the Integrated Index for Postal Development (2IPD) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Collect, prepare and consolidate data to produce the annual 2IPD ranking as well as postal and macroeconomic indicators;
- Conduct measurement on the contributions of the postal sector (and the UPU) to the achievement of the UN (SDGs);
- Liaise with the team's statistician on the economic significance, accuracy and soundness of official postal statistics compiled by the UPU;
- Conduct the underlying analysis and participate in the process of drafting the annual report that accompanies the 2IPD ranking as well as any publications on macroeconomic and postal economic trends;
- Conduct on-demand analyses based on the 2IPD ranking or the underlying data as requested by the Research and Strategy Programme Manager.
2. Support the team's research and collaboration activities with other international organizations and academia
- Take part in multiagency working groups aimed at addressing global measurement bottlenecks in areas such as socio-economic indicators, e-commerce development, international digital trade flows and official statistics;
- Take part in research collaboration projects with key partner international organizations such as the United Nations, UNCTAD, ICAO, WCO, OECD, WTO, the World Bank and others;
- Maintain networking with academic researchers to promote research on the postal sector and related network industries;
- Undertake peer review of postal economic research work produced outside the UPU, as appropriate;
- Participate in the publication of papers based on the results of research conducted by the UPU, and co-author research papers linking postal and economic development aiming at global postal policy-makers and other relevant policy makers in the era of e-commerce.
3. Contribute to the strengthening of the UPU's capabilities in the area of Big Data
- Contribute to the formalization of existing process of production of various economic insights and publications delivered by the Research & Strategy Programme;
- Test the UPU's Big Data platform in various configurations;
- Migrate past analytical products into the new platform;
- Train the data in the platform (machine learning);
- Evaluate the possibility of integrating additional external big data sources into the platform.
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QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED |
Education:
A first level university degree (Bachelor or similar) in economics, econometrics or equivalent. An advanced university degree (Master or similar) and/or a PhD in the same fields is a strong asset. |
Experience:
At least five years of experience in applied economic research and analysis conducted within an academic institution or an international organisation. |
Technical knowledge:
1. A proven record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and of contributions to collaborative research efforts.
2. Very good knowledge of quantitative techniques, including statistical analysis and econometric modelling.
3. Expert knowledge of at least two statistical/econometric software package (e.g. STATA, SAS, R, SPSS or equivalent). Knowledge of big data programming languages such as R, Python or Scala would be considered as a strong asset.
4. Expert knowledge of network analysis theory and tools (e.g. Gephi).
5. Knowledge of Big Data tools and technologies (such as Hadoop, Hive, Spark) preferred, or alternatively, very high readiness to quickly learn the use of these tools and conduct analytics in a big data environment.
6. Good knowledge of data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, Microsoft Power BI).
7. Ability to interact with a dense web of stakeholders within the UN System, including experience in an UN organization OR strong capacity and motivation to learn this matter in a short period of time.
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Skills and abilities / competencies:
1. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain harmonious working relations with staff at all levels in a multicultural environment.
2. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain economic issues and analysis clearly and effectively.
3. Planning & organizing: show skills in setting priorities and allocating appropriate resources.
4. Autonomy: ability to conduct independent research.
5. Commitment to continuous learning: keep abreast of information and economic trends.
6. Knowledge of macroeconomic and geopolitical trends affecting international organizations.
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Language skills:
Proficiency in English or French is required. Knowledge of the other language would be an advantage.
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Additional Information:
Post adjustment: The percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or
downwards without notice. As a reference, the post adjustment for the month of January 2019 is 69.4%.
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Priority shall be given for an internal promotion.
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Candidates might be considered for other similar posts (for a period not exceeding one year).
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Candidates must ensure that they provide relevant contact details so that they can be contacted at any time, to prevent them from
being excluded from the selection process
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Annual salary:
(Net of tax)
60,233 USD
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Post adjustment:
69.4 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation. |
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| The conditions of service are governed by the Staff Regulations and Rules of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union.
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Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form.
All applications must be received by the closing date as stated in the vacancy announcement.
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. |
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Applications from women and member states are particularly encouraged.
The UPU promotes diversity and work-life balance. |
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| For further instructions regarding the online application process, please visit the UPU internet page at: https://upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/Careers |
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Vacancy Filled |
This vacancy is shown for viewing only. It is not currently open for applications
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The UPU has a smoke-free environment
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