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 policies for economic diversification and job creation, designing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position in global governance. ECA is structured into various divisions, including the Macroeconomic and Governance Division (MGD), which plays a crucial role in supporting African member states in achieving inclusive growth and effective development planning. The MGD is divided into three sections: Finance and Domestic Resource Mobilization, Macroeconomic Analysis, Institutions and Economic Governance, and Sustainable Development and Integrated Planning. The Economic Affairs Officer position is situated within the Finance and Domestic Resource Mobilization Section (FDRMS) of MGD, reporting directly to the Chief of FDRMS.

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for conducting economic and sector analysis, developing socio-economic databases, and utilizing economic and financial intelligence tools to analyze trends and policy impacts. This role involves drafting technical papers and analytical studies on various economic development aspects, attending meetings to gather information, and assisting in organizing expert group meetings and seminars. The officer will also prepare reports for intergovernmental bodies, summarize discussions from intergovernmental meetings, and contribute to the organization of panels and round tables on development issues. Additionally, the officer will mobilize resources for technical cooperation programs, participate in missions, and organize training seminars for national experts. The position requires a strong ability to analyze data and provide insights for decision-making, ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Affairs Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting economic or sector analysis by developing socio-economic databases and qualitative information for recurrent or ad hoc assignments.
• Interpreting and applying economic and financial intelligence tools to analyze trends and policy impacts.
• Drafting inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on economic development and financial deepening.
• Identifying and analyzing policy proposals related to assigned topics.
• Attending international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and engage in discussions.
• Assisting in organizing expert group meetings and seminars on development issues.
• Preparing speeches and presentations for senior staff.
• Preparing inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies and summarizing discussions from meetings.
• Assisting in mobilizing resources for technical cooperation activities. 1
• Participating in missions and organizing training seminars for national experts. 1
• Monitoring and assessing the implementation of technical cooperation programs and projects. 1
• Performing various administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the work unit's services. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights through data visualization methods.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in finance, 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 demonstrate a strong understanding of economic theories and concepts, as well as the ability to conduct independent research and analyze data from various sources.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in finance, economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. Additionally, completion of programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is advantageous, highlighting the importance of analytical skills in the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic and financial research and analysis, policy formulation, and application of economic principles in development programs is required. Experience in data analytics or related areas for two years or more is desirable. Candidates should also have experience in structuring and executing debt and equity investments, as well as a good understanding of socio-economic and development issues, particularly in capital market development in developing countries. Proficiency in using standard financial market software such as Bloomberg, S&P Global, or Reuters is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is desirable, and proficiency in another UN official language is considered 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 available on a temporary basis, and if the selected candidate is a staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, it will be a temporary assignment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. The recruitment process emphasizes the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The position may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and external candidates who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months are ineligible to apply. All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted.