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 advancing Africa's position in global governance, developing macroeconomic policies, and addressing regional challenges. ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to sustainable development across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Section will play a pivotal role in the Climate Change, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) at ECA. This position entails providing strategic policy guidance to the Director on the governance of natural resources and the transformation of agri-food systems. The incumbent will oversee the planning and management of the Section's activities, ensuring timely execution of substantive work programs. The Chief of Section will also be responsible for preparing position papers and reports for intergovernmental bodies, contributing to budget and program performance reporting, and ensuring high-quality outputs from the Section. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and donors, to address climate change and promote sustainable development in Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Section will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing policy guidance on strategies related to natural resources governance and agri-food system transformation.
• Overseeing the planning and management of Section activities, ensuring timely execution of work programs.
• Managing the work program of the Section, including preparation of reports and position papers for intergovernmental bodies.
• Ensuring high-quality standards for outputs produced by the Section.
• Preparing inputs for the Division's work program, determining priorities, and allocating resources.
• Carrying out administrative tasks necessary for the Section's functioning, including budget preparation and performance monitoring.
• Recruiting and training staff, fostering teamwork and communication.
• Representing the organization at inter-agency meetings and providing expertise on climate change issues.
• Supporting the formulation and implementation of gender-sensitive policies related to climate change. 1
• Establishing research programs to enhance policymakers' capacities in managing climate change policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in natural resources governance and/or agri-food system transformation. They should demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality reports and papers on technical issues and apply UN regulations in their work. Professionalism, accountability, and the ability to empower others are essential qualities for this role. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing diverse projects and fostering teamwork across organizational boundaries.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in economics, natural resources management, food policy, law, international development, or related fields is required. A Doctorate is considered an advantage. Alternatively, 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.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in natural resources governance and/or agri-food system transformation is required. This experience should encompass research, policy development, and advisory services at national, regional, and international levels. Experience in a developing country is desirable, as is familiarity with data analytics or related areas.

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 language being desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be full-time, and selected candidates will be required to serve for a minimum of two years in their initial assignment. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.