Chief of Debt and Development Finance Branch

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Chief of Debt and Development Finance Branch
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 30 September 2024

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 dedicated to promoting the integration of developing countries into the global economy. The organization focuses on trade, investment, and development issues, providing a forum for intergovernmental deliberations, supported by a robust research and analysis framework. UNCTAD operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to fostering sustainable development and economic growth.

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 the Director in resource allocation and priority setting, manage administrative tasks, and foster teamwork and communication among staff. The position requires participation in international meetings and representing the Division, necessitating a strong understanding of debt and development finance issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief will lead and supervise the work programme of the Branch, coordinating efforts across different work units and UN agencies. Responsibilities include preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies, ensuring compliance with mandates, managing budgets, and evaluating staff performance. The Chief will also recruit staff, manage training and development, and organize meetings and seminars on substantive issues. The role requires participation in discussions with representatives of other institutions and providing substantive expertise on relevant issues. The Chief will also perform ad hoc duties as requested by senior management, ensuring that all outputs meet the required standards before completion.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep understanding of sovereign debt issues and development finance, with the ability to produce and review technical reports. Knowledge of international financial markets and their implications for macroeconomic policies is essential. The role demands strong communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Leadership qualities are crucial, as the Chief will serve as a role model and empower others to achieve organizational goals. The ability to make sound judgments and decisions in complex situations is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, highlighting the importance of practical experience alongside formal education.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, administration, logistics, financial management, or budget-related fields is required. At least ten years of experience in policy-oriented research and formulation, particularly in external and domestic debt issues and development finance, is desirable. Experience managing and supervising a substantive research team is also preferred, as is familiarity with the policy trade-offs associated with sovereign debt and development finance.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Fluency in French is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset, reflecting the international nature of the work and the need for effective communication across diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
This position encourages applications from candidates of under-represented Member States in the UN Secretariat. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Staff members appointed to this position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter. The role is subject to the UN's mobility requirements, and candidates must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional ethics. The UN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.