Reference: 110900350
Location: London, UK
Duration: Three years
Closing Date: 24 Oct 2011
General Information
The Economic Affairs Division is responsible for the Secretariat’s programmes on national and international economic issues and, with other divisions, for assisting member countries to improve economic policy-making, management and governance. The Commonwealth is committed to the Millennium Development Goals, which include targets on eliminating extreme poverty and hunger, promoting gender equality, ensuring environmental sustainability, and developing a global partnership for development. The Secretariat plays a key role in helping to identify solutions to the economic problems affecting Commonwealth developing countries; in achieving an international consensus on these solutions through analytical/ diagnostic work and advocacy; and in providing policy advice to governments. Practical assistance for economic development is a core Secretariat activity and a high priority for governments.
The International Trade and Regional Co-operation Section undertakes work directed towards: promoting common policy approaches and actions that aim at fostering international trade, taking account of the special requirements of developing member countries; enhancing member governments’ capacity to adapt and develop trade policies in tune with changes in the international trade system; helping institutions in member countries to formulate and implement trade and development policies for export of goods and services; prompting effective national and regional strategies and approaches to regional and multilateral trade co-operation; and providing policy advice and other forms of assistance in support of regional integration involving Commonwealth countries. The Section’s activities include support to enhance the effectiveness of its developing member country members in the international and regional trading systems and facilitating dialogue in support of the adoption at pro-development positions and policies that accommodate national priorities. In addition, it contributes to the Division’s work on general economic development issues.
Job summary
Reporting to the Head of the International Trade and Regional Co-operation Section, the Economic Adviser will conduct the monitoring and analysis of trade developments, formulate advice and recommendations for member governments and design and implement Commonwealth trade programmes, activities and initiatives.
Task description
The post holder will:
- Monitor, analyse and report on those WTO negotiations, decision making processes and other developments in the multilateral trading system that are particularly relevant to Commonwealth LDCs, small states and other developing country members;
- Work with and provide advice to member governments and regional organisations on strategies, and programmes for the more effective and beneficial participation of LDCs, small economies and other vulnerable Commonwealth States in the global trading system;
- Collaborate in the implementation of Commonwealth Secretariat Programmes for the fuller participation in trade and trade policy making of vulnerable groups in particular women;
- Support the Secretariat’s campaign for the mainstreaming of gender concerns in trade policy making and management;
- Prepare and, or as required, contribute to the preparation and delivery of written and oral reports, papers and briefings; and prepare and contribute to speeches and briefs for Managers;
- Undertake research on designated trade policy issues and assist in the production of high quality proposals, briefs, studies etc that; enhance the understanding of Commonwealth developing countries interests and concerns in the multilateral trading system;
- Coordinate and assist in preparations for and servicing of meetings, workshops and seminars organised by the Economic Affairs Division by assisting with the preparation of documentation and reports and assisting with the logistical aspects;
- Assist in the selection and contracting of external research and technical assistance experts, including the Geneva-based Commonwealth Secretariat Trade Advisor, and monitor, evaluate, vet and edit their work;
- Represent the Section and organisation at internal and external meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops as and when required;
- Perform any other relevant duties as may be required from time to time by the Head of Section or the Director.
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