Chief of the African Climate Policy Section

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, guided by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 206

• Established to address the continent's challenges, ECA operates across various sectors, focusing on macroeconomic policies, innovative financing models, and regional solutions to transboundary issues. The organization emphasizes the importance of peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and social inclusion as integral to development, advocating for Africa's position in global governance. ECA's Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) plays a crucial role in enhancing climate resilience and sustainable development across the continent, with a focus on food security and natural resource management. The division is structured into two sections: African Climate Policy and Natural Resources and Food Systems, and is led by a director accountable to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme).

Job Overview:
The Chief of the African Climate Policy Section is a pivotal role within the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) of ECA. This position involves providing strategic policy guidance to the Director on the development and management of climate change strategies and resilience initiatives. The Chief will oversee the planning and execution of the Section's activities, ensuring timely delivery of substantive work programs and coordinating projects in collaboration with other UN organizations, donors, and agencies. The role requires managing the Section's work program, preparing position papers and reports for intergovernmental bodies, and ensuring high-quality outputs that meet established standards. The Chief will also be responsible for budget preparation, staff recruitment, performance evaluation, and fostering teamwork and communication within the Section and across organizational boundaries. This position demands active participation in international and regional meetings, providing expertise on climate change, and supporting the formulation of gender-sensitive policies related to climate resilience and sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of the African Climate Policy Section will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing policy guidance to the Director on climate change strategies and resilience initiatives.
• Overseeing the planning and management of the Section's activities, ensuring timely execution of work programs.
• Coordinating diverse projects within the Section and liaising with other UN organizations and stakeholders.
• Managing the work program, including preparation of position papers and reports for intergovernmental bodies.
• Ensuring high-quality outputs that comply with relevant mandates and standards.
• Preparing inputs for the Division's work program, determining priorities, and allocating resources effectively.
• Carrying out administrative tasks, including budget preparation and performance monitoring.
• Recruiting and developing staff, ensuring geographical and gender balance.
• Representing the organization at inter-agency meetings and providing expertise on climate change issues. 1
• Supporting the formulation of gender-sensitive policies and establishing research programs to enhance policymakers' capacities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in climate change and sustainable development, with a proven ability to produce high-quality reports and papers on technical issues. They should demonstrate knowledge of UN rules and regulations and exhibit professionalism and efficiency in their work. The ideal candidate will have excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to set clear goals and manage priorities effectively. Accountability and the ability to empower others are essential, as is the capacity to manage performance and provide constructive feedback to staff. The candidate should also be adept at fostering teamwork and communication across organizational boundaries.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, law, international development, climate policy and governance, or natural/social sciences is required. A first-level degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in the specified fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A Doctorate in a related field is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in climate change and sustainable development is required. This experience should encompass research, policy development, and advisory services at national, regional, and international levels. Experience in developing countries is desirable, along with at least two years of experience in data analytics or a related area.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in either English or French is required, with a working knowledge of the other language being desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage, and candidates should meet the minimum required levels for reading, writing, listening, and speaking as per the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. The organization provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Selected candidates will be required to serve at any UN duty station worldwide and must complete a minimum of two years in their initial assignment before applying for another position.