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 Macroeconomic and Governance Division (MGD) is headed by a Director and reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Division is responsible for supporting African member States in their efforts to accelerate economic transformation and inclusive growth through effective development planning, improved macroeconomic management and economic governance as well as better mobilization and allocation of domestic and international public finance. It is divided into three sections: Macroeconomic Analysis; Development Planning; and Economic Governance and Public Finance. This position is located in the Development Planning Section of the Macroeconomics and Governance Division (MGD) of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The Chief of the Section reports to the Director of MGD.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Director of Macroeconomics and Governance Division (MGD), as Chief of the development Planning Section, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:
Provides policy guidance to the Chief of Branch/Service/Division, on conceptual strategy development and management of the implementation of overall strategies and intra and inter-divisional/departmental policies and procedures;
Plans and oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Unit/Section; ensures that substantive work programmes and programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion, coordinating diverse projects in the Unit/Section, and, in liaison with other organizations of the United Nations System, donors and agencies as appropriate;
Manages, supervises and carries out the work programme of the Unit/Section under his/her responsibility. Coordinates the work carried out by the Unit/Section; provides programmatic and substantive reviews of drafts prepared by others;
Provides substantive input in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as 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;
Contributes to the reporting 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 Unit/Section maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Unit/Section under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates;
Prepares inputs for the work programme of the Branch/Service/Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery;
Carries out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Unit/Section, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates;
Recruits staff for Unit/Section taking due account geographical and gender balance and other institutional values;
Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision;
Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Unit/Section and across organizational boundaries;
Represents the Organization at inter-agency meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive-related issues;
Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, or hold programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions;
Leads team members’ efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.
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. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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 the 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.
Managerial Competencies
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;
Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, business or public administration, finance, accounting, law or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
A PhD is an advantage;
Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic policy-oriented research and analysis, policy formulation and advice, and application of economic principles in development programmes, administration, budget, finance, human resources management, or related fields is required. Experience in development planning is desirable. Experience in developing countries context is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Referred Publications in the area of economics and social development is an advantage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations (UN) Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English or French, is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.