Principal Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is dedicated to delivering innovative ideas and actions aimed at empowering and transforming Africa. Established to address the continent's unique challenges, ECA operates under the guiding principles of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• The organization focuses on advancing its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic policies, implementing innovative financing models, and advocating for Africa's interests on global platforms. ECA's Sub Regional Office for Northern Africa (SRO-NA) is located in Rabat, Morocco, and serves several countries including Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia. The office's primary goal is to foster structural transformation and balanced development, particularly by creating employment opportunities for women and youth in North Africa.

Job Overview:
The Principal Economic Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in formulating and implementing the substantive work programme of the SRO-NA. This position requires overseeing the management of activities, ensuring timely execution of programmed activities, and coordinating efforts within the SRO and with other UN organizations. The incumbent will provide intellectual, technical, and managerial leadership, serving as the principal adviser to the Executive Secretary on matters related to regional integration and cooperation in Northern Africa. The role involves assessing economic and social development needs, formulating policy options, organizing research, and executing programme initiatives in collaboration with ECA Divisions and other SROs. The officer will also be responsible for preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies and ensuring high-quality outputs that meet required standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Principal Economic Affairs Officer include: overseeing the management of SRO-NA activities, providing leadership and vision, serving as a technical adviser to the Executive Secretary, assessing regional economic and social needs, formulating policy options, organizing research, executing programme initiatives, coordinating work across different units, preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies, ensuring high-quality outputs, leading knowledge generation and dissemination, managing administrative tasks, recruiting staff, fostering teamwork, organizing meetings and seminars, representing the SRO at various meetings, and performing other assigned duties.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess expert knowledge of regional integration and socio-economic structural transformation in Africa. They should demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality reports and papers, manage a team effectively, and provide expert advice on substantive issues. Familiarity with UN rules and regulations is essential, along with a commitment to achieving results and maintaining high standards of professionalism. The ideal candidate should also exhibit strong planning and organizational skills, accountability, leadership qualities, and the ability to manage performance effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in economics, social sciences, development management, or a related field is required. Consideration may be given to degrees in business, public administration, finance, accounting, or law. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A PhD in economics is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, management, and analysis of socio-economic development issues is required. Candidates should have experience leading interdisciplinary teams and managing development programmes within international organizations. Desirable experience includes facilitating intergovernmental processes, regional integration, and social and economic structural transformation in developing countries. Prior experience in the UN Common System or similar multilateral institutions is also advantageous, along with experience in strategic planning and human resources management.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position, while knowledge of English is desirable. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the region and the organization's operational context.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. The organization provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates must ensure that their applications are complete and accurate.