Economic Affairs Officer - P4

United Nations
Addis Ababa - Ethiopia
S: Competitive

Org. Setting and Reporting
Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, ECA's mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. Made up of 54 member States, and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well positioned to make unique contributions to address the Continent's development challenges. The strategic objective of ECA is framed around delivering ideas and actions for an empowered, inclusive and transformed Africa in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 of the African Union through its three core functions, namely, its function as a think tank, its convening function and its operational function.

This position is located in the NEPAD Section of the Regional Integration and Trade Division of the Economic Commission for Africa. Under the direct supervision of the Chief of NEPAD and overall guidance of the Director of the Division, the incumbent will report directly to the Chief of the Section.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, and in the context of United Nations (UN) system-wide support to the African Union (AU), its bodies and development frameworks, including NEPAD, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), and Agenda 2063, UN-AU cooperation frameworks, Agenda 2030, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

ECONOMIC AND/OR SECTOR ANALYSIS:
• Monitors economic development trends in Africa, and identify issues of concern to the United Nations;
• Designs and conducts high quality research, studies and policy analysis and draft reports in a wide range of economic development issues;
• Collects, analyzes, synthesizes and disseminates information on toolboxes and/or good practices, models, methodologies and approaches for evaluation of policies on economic development issues in Africa, supporting regional institutions and experts;
• Interprets and applies results of econometric modelling to analysis of economic prospects and policies.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT:
• Formulates proposals for development policies, strategies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others and develops draft policy recommendations relevant to growth and transformation in Africa;
• Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on African development issues;
• Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff;
• Represents ECA at international, regional and national meetings, including intergovernmental or expert group meetings and seminars;
• Liaises with AU Commission, NEPAD, RECs, IGOs, ECA Subregional Offices other UN bodies, specialized and relevant national agencies, Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and Non Governmental Organizations on UN system-wide support to the AU.

TECHNICAL COOPERATION:
• Provides technical assistance to the AU, NEPAD, RECs, IGOs, member States and other bodies related to UN system-wide support to Agenda 2063, Agenda 2030 and UN-AU cooperation frameworks;
• Designs, monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects;
• Undertakes missions to RECs, IGOs, NEPAD, member States, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of technical cooperation activities pertaining to UN system-wide support to Agenda 2063, Agenda 2030 and UN-AU cooperation frameworks;
• Prepares global, regional, national or sectoral analyses that provide a basis for advising AU, RECs, IGOs, NEPAD and member States on social development issues;
• Conducts training seminars and workshops for AU, RECs, IGOs, NEPAD, member States and others;
• Formulates technical modalities for the evaluation of individual technical cooperation projects.
• Provides quantitative and qualitative analysis and substantive support to ECA's advisory work on UN system-wide support to the AU, preparing global, regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising these bodies.

GENERAL:
• Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback;
• Participates in intra- and inter-organizational undertakings of broader concern to represent the views or interests of ECA and its clients;
• Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit's service; and
• Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

RESULTS EXPECTED:
Prepares in-depth qualitative and quantitative analyses of diverse aspects of the development challenges faced by developing countries and economies in transition; formulates sound policy proposals; recommends project activities; develops well-designed programmes of analysis of development issues; provides guidance and leadership to less senior staff.

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. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Conceptual and strategic ability to analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to growth and transformation in Africa, including ability to monitor and evaluate progress in UN system-wide support to the AU. 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.

• PLANNING AND 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
An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in economics or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in the specified fields with two additional years of relevant work 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 and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or related area in Africa.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English or French with knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Job summary