Principal Programme Management 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 address the continent's challenges, ECA operates under the guidance of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• The organization focuses on five strategic directions: enhancing its role as a knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic policies, implementing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position globally. The African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), located in Dakar, Senegal, serves as ECA's operational arm for capacity development, translating research into practice and equipping African leaders with the necessary skills to develop effective public sector policies. IDEP aims to be a Regional Centre of Excellence for Capacity Development within the UN System, contributing to the realization of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Overview:
The Principal Programme Management Officer will play a crucial role in formulating and implementing the substantive work programme of IDEP. This position involves overseeing the management of activities undertaken by the Institute, ensuring timely execution of programmed activities, and coordinating work across various areas within the Institute and with other UN organizations. The incumbent will assist the Deputy Executive Secretary in preparing the work programme, determining priorities, and allocating resources effectively. The role also includes leading capacity development efforts across ECA divisions, collaborating with other UN agencies, and ensuring that Member States are equipped to formulate and implement evidence-based socio-economic policies aligned with the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• The position requires strategic leadership, management of resources, quality assurance, and representation of IDEP at various levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Programme Formulation: Assist in preparing the work programme, determining priorities, and allocating resources. Lead and supervise the IDEP work programme aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity to formulate and implement socio-economic policies. Coordinate capacity development efforts across ECA divisions and collaborate with other UN agencies.
• Management of Resources: Oversee programmatic and administrative tasks, including budget preparation and reporting on performance. Recruit staff while ensuring gender and geographical balance. Manage and develop staff, fostering teamwork and communication.
• Quality Assurance and Programme Delivery: Supervise the preparation and organization of meetings, seminars, and development of knowledge products. Ensure high-quality outputs that comply with relevant mandates.
• Intergovernmental Bodies and Governance: Coordinate the preparation of reports for intergovernmental bodies and organize statutory meetings of the IDEP Governing Council.
• Representation and Resource Mobilization: Represent IDEP at various meetings, providing expertise and fostering collaboration. Promote resource mobilization efforts and build strategic partnerships with financial institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business or public administration, human resources, finance, accounting, economics, law, social sciences, or a related area. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economics, statistics, social sciences, programme management, or a related field, with at least seven years in policy analysis and design. Experience in capacity-building programmes and leading substantive programmes within the UN system or similar organizations is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business or public administration, human resources, finance, accounting, economics, law, social sciences, or related areas is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying work experience may be accepted.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields is required, including seven years in policy analysis and design related to economic and social development. Experience in designing and overseeing capacity-building programmes is essential, along with experience in leading a substantive programme within the UN system or similar organizations. Experience in reporting to intergovernmental bodies and representing organizations in high-level policy dialogues is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both English and French at UN Level II.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may require staff to move periodically to new functions. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities upon request.