Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which was established in 195

• The ECA's mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance the capacity of African countries to achieve sustainable development. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by the region. The ECA engages in various initiatives aimed at improving economic policies, promoting sustainable development, and facilitating dialogue among member states and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary plays a crucial role in ensuring the continuity and high-level strategic support necessary during a pivotal period of institutional engagement and policy dialogue. This position is designed to enhance the Executive Secretary's capacity to fulfill her leadership and advocacy responsibilities effectively. The Special Assistant will provide high-quality analytical input, coordinate timely and effective communication across various divisions, and maintain the strategic integrity of the Executive Secretary's engagements. The role involves direct policy advisory support, meticulous meeting preparation, and agile management of correspondence and stakeholder relations. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the visibility, coherence, and influence of the ECA's voice on both internal and external platforms, ensuring that the Executive Office is operationally responsive, substantively informed, and strategically aligned with the ECA's mandate and the priorities of the UN development system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Special Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: preparing policy notes, statements, and strategic proposals that address major development issues in Africa; advising the Executive Secretary on program and policy matters while monitoring emerging development issues; overseeing correspondence to and from the Executive Secretary; ensuring effective preparations and follow-ups for meetings with senior representatives of Member States and UN officials; coordinating substantive preparations for discussions at the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council; serving as the key liaison with officials both inside and outside the organization; leading team efforts to collect and analyze data to identify trends for data-driven planning and decision-making; and performing other duties in support of senior management processes as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as social development, economics, political science, public administration, communications, international relations, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, socioeconomic research and analysis, policy formulation, and application of socioeconomic principles in development programs, administration, and program management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as social development, economics, political science, public administration, communications, international relations, or a related discipline. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying work experience. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as international relations, socioeconomic research and analysis, policy formulation, and the application of socioeconomic principles in development programs. Experience in economic, social, and sustainable development at both international and national levels is essential. Knowledge of governance and intergovernmental processes within the UN system or similar organizations is desirable, as is experience supporting senior officials in intergovernmental or diplomatic settings. Experience in data analytics or related fields is also considered beneficial.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of French is desirable. Additionally, proficiency in another official United Nations language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job posting. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.