Chief of the Development Planning Section

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Chief of the Development Planning Section
Location: Addis Ababa
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 and is dedicated to advancing economic and social development through research, policy analysis, and capacity building. The organization employs a diverse workforce committed to addressing the continent's challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Chief of the Development Planning Section will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of the section within the Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division (MFGD) of ECA. This position involves overseeing the management of activities, ensuring timely execution of substantive work programs, and coordinating diverse projects. The incumbent will provide policy guidance, manage the work program, and ensure high-quality outputs that align with the organization's mandates. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including other UN organizations, donors, and member states, to facilitate effective development planning and economic governance. The Chief will also be responsible for preparing position papers and reports for intergovernmental bodies, contributing to budget and program performance reporting, and ensuring compliance with organizational standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of the Development Planning Section will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing policy guidance on strategy development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Planning and overseeing the management of activities within the section, ensuring timely execution of work programs.
• Managing and supervising the work program, coordinating efforts across the section and with other organizations.
• Preparing substantive inputs for position papers and reports for intergovernmental bodies.
• Ensuring high-quality outputs that meet required standards.
• Preparing inputs for the work program, determining priorities, and allocating resources.
• Carrying out administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the section, including budget preparation and performance monitoring.
• Recruiting staff while considering geographical and gender balance.
• Guiding and training staff, fostering teamwork and communication. 1
• Representing the organization at meetings and providing expertise on substantive issues. 1
• Leading efforts to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making and reporting. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in economic policy-oriented research and analysis, with a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields. The ideal candidate will have experience in policy formulation, development planning, and economic governance. Familiarity with data analytics and experience in developing countries are desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the principles of the United Nations and possess the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A PhD is considered an advantage. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic policy-oriented research and analysis, policy formulation, and application of economic principles in development programs. Experience in development planning and working in developing countries is desirable. Familiarity with data analytics or related fields is also advantageous. Publications in economics and social development will be viewed favorably.

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.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days or until the regular filling of the post. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary position does not guarantee future employment in the same role. The eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to 'internal candidates' who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.