Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position will be guided by ECA’s five new 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 solution 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. This position is located in the Climate, Food Security and Natural Resources, Green and Blue Economy Division (CFSND) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The division is headed by a Director and is accountable to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Division is responsible for supporting the efficient management of natural resource endowments, reducing the negative impacts of climate change by moving towards green transitions and climate-resilient development and harnessing new technologies in the context of sustainable development. It is divided into three main sections: Climate Change; Green and Blue Economy, Agriculture, and food security. The incumbent reports directly to the Chief of Section of the African Climate Policy Centre and is guided by the Director.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the duties of an Economic Affairs Officer are likely to fall mainly into one of the three functional areas identified below. Economic or sector analysis:
- Monitors economic developments in a defined area and identifies recurrent and emerging issues of concern to the United Nations;
- Models and applies results of econometric impacts of climate related to loss and damages and key development sectors in Africa including ecosystems, energy, water, and food systems;
- Designs and conducts studies of selected issues in economic development and draft resulting reports;
- Interprets and applies results of econometric modelling to analysis of economic prospects and policies;
- Develops draft policy recommendations appropriate frameworks and convenings on selected issues on climate change and development in Africa;
- Formulates proposals for development strategies, policies and measures for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and others;
- Attends international, regional, and national meetings to hold discussions with representatives of other institutions;
- Organizes expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues. Supports African Group of Negotiators on climate change (AGN) with technical analyses and implementation of the work programmes of the UNFCC;
- Develops institutional capacity for adaptation and resilience building through the design of structures, risks assessment, and monitor and evaluate outcomes;
- Identifies forward and backward linkages effective utilization of climate data and information and other related processes to enable member States to harmonize strategies for agriculture and food security and natural resource management in the context of regional integration programmes;
- Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff. Intergovernmental support;
- Provides substantive support on economic issues to intergovernmental bodies;
- Represents organizational unit at international, regional and national meetings.
Technical cooperation:
- Designs and monitors technical cooperation projects;
- Undertakes missions to member states, either alone or as a participant in a diverse team, as part of the Organization’s technical cooperation activities;
- Prepares global, regional, national or sector analyses that provide a basis for advising national governments on economic development issues;
- Conducts training seminars and workshops for government officials and others;
- Formulates technical modalities for the evaluation of individual technical cooperation projects.
General:
- Supports junior staff, reviewing their work and providing feedback;
- 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;
- Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally;
- Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
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. 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. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management;
- 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;
- 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
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, in agriculture, agriculture economics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional qualifying 2 years work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.
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 is required;
- Experience in climate change and agriculture, climate change and green transitions research and analysis is required;
- Experience in modelling and quantitative analysis related to climate issues, proven by publications in international peer reviewed journal is required;
- Two years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable;
- Experience working in multi-disciplinary, climate related institutions and organisations, and or directly with climate sensitive sectors that make use of climate information, seasonal forecasts, or climate projections in crafting policy or decision-making) is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Fluency in English or French is required. Knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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