UNECA – United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Org. Setting and Reporting
ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The mission will be guided by ECA’s five strategic directions which are: advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. The Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division (GPSPD) is headed by a Director who reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Division is responsible for contributing towards achieving inclusive and equitable sustainable human and social development in Africa and promoting and supporting member States in their work to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment. It is divided into three main sections: Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment; Social Policy; and Urbanization and Development. This position is located at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in the Gender, Poverty, and Social Policy Division (GPSPD), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The incumbent reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme).
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Principal Economic Affairs Officer will perform the following responsibilities:
Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Division under his/her supervision. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Division and Commission and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate.
Formulates, leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of the Division under his/her responsibility. Co-ordinates the work carried out by different work sections/units under the Division and by other agencies and bodies of the United Nations system; provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others.
Provides support to Member States and intergovernmental organizations in designing and implementing programmes and policies in the areas of poverty and inequality, population dynamics, gender equality and women’s empowerment; youth, migration, employment, social protection, and urbanization for resilient and sustained economic development.
Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Committee on Gender, Poverty and Social Policy, the Commission for Social Development, the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate.
Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports.
Ensures that the outputs produced by the Division maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Sections under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
Leads and supervises economic and social research and technical assistance to improve capacities of policy makers in designing and implementing policies to address emerging and long-term trends relevant for sustainable development including on issues of poverty and inequality, population dynamics, gender equality and women’s empowerment; youth, migration, employment, social protection, and urbanization for resilient and sustained economic development; as well to enhance policy, legal and regulatory frameworks for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development in the aforementioned areas.
Prepares the work programme of the Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting.
Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical balance.
Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision.
Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries.
Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.
Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions, nurtures current strategic partnerships, identifying new partnerships for the Division to leverage outputs and implement activities.
Represents the Division at international, regional or national meetings.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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.
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.
Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, development, business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences combined with economics or related area 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. A Doctorate in economics, Social Policy and related areas is an advantage.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, social policy formulation, international development, human resources management, administration, logistics, financial management, budget or related field is required. Senior-level experience in programme and project planning and management, particularly in socio-economic areas related to gender and social policies is required. A strong record of influencing public policy at national, regional, or internal level is desirable. Extensive international experience, particularly in developing countries is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English or French is required; and knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.