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 Division on Globalization and Development Strategies (DGDS) at 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 world economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to fostering sustainable development and economic growth. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade, investment, finance, and technology.

Job Overview:
The Chief of 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 areas within the Division and with other UN organizations. The Chief will lead and supervise the work programme, coordinate the preparation of reports for intergovernmental bodies, and ensure that outputs maintain high-quality standards. Additionally, the Chief will assist the Director in preparing the work programme, determining priorities, and allocating resources. The position requires a strong focus on teamwork, communication, and leadership, as well as the ability to represent the Division at various meetings and provide substantive expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Formulate and implement the substantive work programme of the Debt and Development Finance Branch.
• Oversee the management of activities undertaken by the Branch and ensure timely execution of programmed activities.
• Coordinate work across different units within the Branch and with other UN agencies.
• Provide programmatic and substantive reviews of drafts prepared by others.
• Prepare reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the UNCTAD Trade and Development Board and the General Assembly.
• Ensure high-quality standards for all outputs produced by the Branch.
• Assist the Director in preparing the work programme, determining priorities, and allocating resources.
• Undertake administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Branch, including budget preparation and staff performance evaluations.
• Recruit staff while considering geographical balance. 1
• Manage, guide, develop, and train staff under supervision. 1
• Foster teamwork and communication among staff. 1
• Organize meetings and seminars on substantive issues. 1
• Participate in international, regional, or national meetings and provide expertise. 1
• Represent the Division at various meetings. 1
• Perform other ad hoc duties as requested by senior management.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences, or a related area.
• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Knowledge of external and domestic sovereign debt issues and development finance.
• Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and review the work of others.
• Familiarity with UN rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or social sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by qualifying experience.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, administration, logistics, financial management, budget, or a related field 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 in managing and supervising a substantive research team is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in French is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to applicants from Member States that are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 202

• The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment. The position may involve periodic moves to different duty stations as per UN regulations. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.