Chief of Section, Economic Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) was established to promote economic and social development in African countries. ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a focus on five strategic directions: advancing knowledge, developing macroeconomic policies, designing innovative financing models, contributing to regional challenges, and advocating Africa's position globally. ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the continent's challenges through collaborative efforts across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Section, Economic Affairs, will play a pivotal role in the Connectivity and Infrastructure Section of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division at ECA. This position involves leading and managing infrastructure analysis and strategy formulation related to transport and energy sectors. The Chief will oversee a team of experts, commission studies, and engage in intergovernmental support by providing substantive advice on development issues. The role requires a strategic approach to identifying emerging development issues and designing programs to address them, ensuring that the work aligns with ECA's mission of promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa. The Chief will also be responsible for preparing reports, speeches, and presentations, contributing to the overall program of work and budget formulation, and ensuring effective technical cooperation among member states.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Section will be responsible for leading the formulation and management of infrastructure programs, conducting economic or sectoral analysis, and developing strategies for infrastructure development. This includes identifying new development issues, supervising a team of transport and energy experts, commissioning studies, and managing expert group meetings. The Chief will provide direct support to intergovernmental bodies, manage contributions to meetings, and represent the organization at various levels. Additionally, the Chief will develop relationships with senior officials, negotiate technical assistance programs, and coordinate cooperation among member states. The role also involves contributing to the annual business plan and addressing administrative matters within the division.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in economics, engineering, or a related field, with an advanced university degree being required. A first-level university degree combined with relevant work experience may be accepted. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure or economic research, with hands-on experience in regional infrastructure development. Knowledge of data analytics is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and the ability to empower others, along with strong planning and organizational skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, engineering, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two 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.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure (transport or energy) or economic research and analysis is required. Candidates should have experience in policy formulation and application of economic principles in development programs. Hands-on experience in regional infrastructure and services development is essential, and experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in either English or French is required, with knowledge of the other being desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until the regular filling of the post. If the selected candidate is a staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position has no bearing on future incumbency and may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.