Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 195

• Its mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206
• ECA operates in multiple countries across the African continent, focusing on advancing economic development, structural transformation, and sustainable development. The organization aims to be a premier knowledge institution that provides global solutions to Africa's challenges while advocating for the continent's position in global governance issues. The Sub Regional Office for West Africa (SRO-WA), located in Niamey, Niger, is part of ECA's efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development in the region, led by a director who reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme Support).

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer position is critical for supporting the ECA's mission in West Africa. The officer will report directly to the Economic Affairs Officer at the P-4 level and will be responsible for leading Sub Regional Initiatives Teams (SRIT). The role encompasses economic or sector analysis, intergovernmental support, and technical cooperation. The officer will develop socio-economic databases, interpret econometric models, draft technical papers, and analyze policy proposals. Additionally, the officer will prepare reports for intergovernmental bodies, organize expert meetings, and participate in missions related to development issues. The position requires a proactive approach to collecting and analyzing data to inform decision-making and policy formulation, contributing to the overall goal of sustainable development in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Economic Affairs Officer include:

• Economic or sector analysis: Developing socio-economic databases, interpreting econometric models, drafting technical papers, analyzing policy proposals, attending meetings to collect information, organizing expert group meetings, and preparing speeches for senior staff.
• Intergovernmental support: Preparing inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies, summarizing meetings, and organizing panels on development issues.
• Technical cooperation: Participating in missions, organizing training seminars, preparing documentation for technical cooperation programs, and monitoring the implementation of projects.
• General responsibilities: Performing administrative tasks, undertaking training activities, and collecting and analyzing data for insights and reporting. The officer is expected to demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or a related field. A first-level university degree combined 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. Candidates should have a strong understanding of economic theories and concepts, particularly in the context of sustainable development and regional integration.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in economics or a related field. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying work experience. Candidates with training in data analytics or related fields will have an advantage, as this knowledge is increasingly relevant in economic analysis and policy formulation.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development, regional integration, economic research and analysis, or policy formulation is required. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in data analytics or a related area, with a preference for those who have experience analyzing trends and policy challenges in developing countries. Experience in writing analytical policy papers and managing projects related to multilateral environmental agreements is also desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of proficiency as defined by the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and diversity in its workforce, encouraging female candidates and individuals from underrepresented member states to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and candidates are advised to follow all application instructions carefully. The evaluation of candidates will include assessments and interviews, with a focus on securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in the selection process.