Economic Affairs Officer

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

• The organization focuses on five strategic directions: enhancing its role as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position in global governance. ECA's Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division (MFGD) plays a crucial role in supporting African member states in achieving economic transformation and inclusive growth through effective development planning and improved economic governance. The division is structured into three main sections: Macroeconomic Analysis Institutions and Economic Governance Section (MAIEGS), Spatial and Development Planning Section (SDPS), and Finance and Domestic Resource Mobilization Section (FDRMS).

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer position is integral to the Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division (MFGD) at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The officer will be responsible for conducting health financing and macroeconomic analyses to provide evidence-based policy advice to member states. This role involves offering technical support on health financing reforms, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) strategies, and fiscal planning. The officer will develop policy briefs and analytical reports, deliver capacity-building activities, manage technical cooperation projects, and support intergovernmental processes and partnerships aimed at strengthening sustainable and equitable health financing systems across Africa. The position requires collaboration across multiple divisions, including the African Centre for Statistics (ACS) and the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Affairs Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: conducting health expenditure and fiscal allocation analyses to identify policy concerns; performing econometric assessments of health financing reform options; developing evidence-based policy recommendations; preparing national and regional analyses to guide ECA's advisory support; providing technical support to government ministries on health financing reforms; facilitating high-level policy dialogues; designing capacity-building programs for government officials; contributing to multi-year technical cooperation projects; and performing various administrative tasks necessary for program delivery. The officer will also engage in data collection and analysis to identify trends and support data-driven decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in health financing policy analysis, economic research, or public financial management for health. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in these areas is required. Experience in designing or supporting social health insurance schemes and innovative financing mechanisms is desirable. Familiarity with working alongside governments, UN agencies, and international organizations is also beneficial. Additionally, experience in data analytics or related fields is a plus.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in health economics, economics, public health economics, health policy, or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A PhD is considered an advantage, along with additional training in public financial management, social protection, or macro-fiscal analysis. Successful completion of programs in data analytics or business analytics is also advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in health financing policy analysis, economic research, or public financial management for health. Experience in designing or supporting social health insurance schemes, innovative financing mechanisms, or sector budget reforms is desirable. Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics or related areas is preferred.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in either English or French is required, while knowledge of the other language is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for each skill in these languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded from extra-budgetary resources and is available for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The appointment is on a fixed-term basis and does not carry any expectancy of renewal or conversion to another type of appointment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.