Coordinator of the High-level Working Group

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

• Its mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. The ECA operates in multiple countries across the African continent, working with various stakeholders including governments, regional organizations, and international partners. The organization aims to provide a platform for dialogue and consensus-building among African policymakers, particularly in the context of economic governance and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The position of Coordinator of the High-level Working Group (HLWG) on the Global Financial Architecture involves providing substantive and coordination support to the HLWG-GFA secretariat. This role is crucial in monitoring and analyzing global economic developments and their implications for African economies, especially in light of recent shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. The consultant will be responsible for drafting key reform proposals, policy briefs, and technical notes, and will engage with high-level stakeholders including African ministers and international financial institutions. The role also includes overseeing the logistical and substantive arrangements for ministerial summits, ensuring that all documentation and communication materials are prepared and coordinated effectively. The consultant will play a pivotal role in integrating climate-related macroeconomic risks into economic analysis and policy recommendations, thereby contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development in Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities under the guidance of the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programmes). Key duties include monitoring and analyzing global economic developments, drafting reform proposals and policy briefs, providing technical input to ECA's engagement in global economic governance platforms, and coordinating the production of high-level documents and materials. The consultant will meticulously plan and oversee all arrangements for ministerial summits, including developing detailed run-of-show plans, coordinating participant invitations, and leading post-summit debriefings. Additionally, the consultant will coordinate the technical review of reports and knowledge products related to climate finance solutions, prepare progress reports and communication materials, and undertake related tasks as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Finance, Environmental Economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with a minimum of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic policy, economic research, and analysis is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of innovative climate and nature finance solutions, relevant work experience in developing countries, and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality, policy-relevant reports. Experience in organizing high-level conferences or ministerial meetings is also required, while substantial experience with Bretton Woods Institutions is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Economics, Finance, or Environmental Economics is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with sufficient professional experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of economic policies and their implications for development, particularly in the context of Africa's financial architecture.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic policy, economic research, and analysis. This experience should include working on innovative climate and nature finance solutions, as well as relevant work in developing countries. Experience in policy advisory roles for inter-governmental organizations or regional institutions is also desirable, as is experience in organizing and coordinating high-level conferences or ministerial meetings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. A working knowledge of French is desirable, which would enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders in the African context.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 5 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the recruitment is conducted fairly and transparently. This role is critical for supporting the High-level Working Group's objectives and facilitating effective communication and coordination among various stakeholders.