Economic Affairs Office - P3

United Nations - Economic Commission for Africa
Addis Ababa - Ethiopia
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the the Macroeconomic Policy Division (MPD) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Under the overall guidance of the Director of MPD, the incumbent reports directly to the Chief of the Governance and Public Sector Management Section (GPSMS).

Responsibilities

Under the delegated authority, the incumbent performs the following duties and responsibilities:

Governance Analysis
• Monitors developments in the area of economic and financial governance and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to Member States.
• Designs and conducts studies on selected issues in economic and financial governance in particular and governance in general in Africa and drafts resulting reports.
• Interprets results through statistical analysis and/or econometric modelling of economic and/or financial governance data.
• Develops draft policy recommendations pertaining to governance, in particular economic and financial governance.
• Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others.
• Prepares and contributes to the preparation of speeches and briefing notes for senior staff and make presentations on governance- related issues for specialist or non-specialist audiences.
• Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues.
• Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions.
Intergovernmental support
• Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings.

Technical cooperation
• Designs and monitors technical cooperation projects pertaining to governance in Africa.
• Organizes and/or conducts training seminars and workshops for government officials and other officials of African countries.
• Contributes to the preparation of materials for the approval of regional, country or sectoral technical cooperation projects.
• Undertakes research and studies in support of programme and project formulation.
• Undertakes missions to Member States, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of the Organization's technical cooperation activities.

General:
• Participates in intra- and inter-Departmental undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of the organizational unit.
• Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit's service.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Staff within work unit/section; counterparts in other UN, regional and global development organizations
Senior officials in government, academia and research institutions

Results expected:
Prepares in-depth qualitative and quantitative analyses of economic and financial governance challenges faced by African countries; formulates sound policy proposals; recommends project activities; and develops well-designed programmes of analysis of development issues.

Competencies

Core Competencies:
• Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in the area of economic and financial governance. Ability to conduct independent research in these areas and other related economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Ability to identify and develop 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, observes deadlines and achieves results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows perseverance 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.
• 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.
• Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, public policy, political science or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Proven track record of refereed international academic publications, policy-oriented papers, articles, book or chapters on economic development and economic governance is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area. Work experience in the area of economic and/or financial governance is required.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Job summary