Chief of Debt and Development Finance Branch

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Chief of Debt and Development Finance Branch
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Debt and Development Finance Branch (DDFB) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is a part of the United Nations Secretariat. The organization focuses on trade, investment, and development issues, aiming to promote sustainable development through international trade and investment. UNCTAD operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing global economic challenges.

Job Overview:
The Chief of the Debt and Development Finance Branch is responsible for formulating and implementing the substantive work programme of the branch. This role involves overseeing the management of activities, ensuring timely execution of programmed activities, and coordinating work across various units within the Division and with other UN organizations. The Chief will lead the preparation of reports for intergovernmental bodies, ensuring high-quality outputs that are clear, objective, and based on comprehensive data. Additionally, the Chief will assist in preparing the work programme, determining priorities, and allocating resources effectively. This position requires a strong understanding of debt and development finance issues, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders and represent the Division at international meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief will lead and supervise the work programme of the Debt and Development Finance Branch, coordinating efforts across different work units and UN agencies. Responsibilities include preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies, ensuring compliance with mandates, and maintaining high-quality standards for all outputs. The Chief will also manage administrative tasks such as budget preparation, performance evaluations, and recruitment, while fostering teamwork and communication among staff. Organizing meetings and seminars on substantive issues, providing programmatic expertise, and representing the Division at various levels are also key duties. The Chief will perform additional ad hoc duties as requested by senior management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep knowledge of sovereign debt issues, development finance, and their macroeconomic implications. The ability to produce and review technical reports and papers is essential, along with a strong understanding of UN rules and regulations. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, teamwork, leadership capabilities, and sound judgment in decision-making. The role requires a commitment to gender balance and diversity in staffing.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, finance, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in policy-oriented research and formulation related to external and domestic debt issues and development finance is required. Experience in managing and supervising a substantive research team is desirable, indicating a strong background in leadership and team management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and familiarity with another UN official language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. The position may require staff members to submit a financial disclosure statement and adhere to the UN's standards of integrity and professionalism. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.