Chief of Section, Economic Affairs

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Position Title: Chief of Section, Economic Affairs
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 to promote economic and social development in Africa. Its mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, guided by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• ECA operates with a focus on advancing its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, contributing to regional challenges, and advocating Africa's position globally. The organization is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the continent's challenges.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Section, Economic Affairs, is responsible for leading and managing the Economic Affairs section within the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division of ECA. This role involves conducting economic or sectoral analysis, formulating infrastructure strategies, and managing a team of experts in transport and energy. The incumbent will identify emerging development issues, supervise studies, and prepare reports and presentations on economic matters. Additionally, the Chief of Section will provide substantive support to intergovernmental bodies, manage technical cooperation initiatives, and contribute to the organization's annual business plan and budget. The position requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to engage with various stakeholders at national and international levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the formulation and management of infrastructure analysis programs, focusing on transport and energy sectors.
• Identify new development issues related to infrastructure and design programs to address them.
• Supervise a team of transport and energy experts, ensuring effective project execution.
• Commission studies and analyses on infrastructure development that cannot be conducted internally.
• Organize expert group meetings and seminars to finalize work unit outputs.
• Prepare speeches and presentations on economic issues for diverse audiences.
• Provide direct support to intergovernmental bodies on development issues, offering strategic advice and technical guidance.
• Manage the work unit's contributions to intergovernmental meetings and represent the organization at various forums.
• Develop and maintain relationships with senior officials of member governments, negotiating technical assistance programs. 1
• Lead technical cooperation missions and coordinate cooperation among Member States on economic issues. 1
• Contribute to the formulation of the unit's annual business plan and budget, addressing administrative matters as needed. 1
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends for informed decision-making and reporting.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, engineering, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is an advantage.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure (transport or energy) or economic research and analysis is required.
• Hands-on experience in regional infrastructure and services development is essential.
• Experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, engineering, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted. Additionally, completion of programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure (transport or energy) or economic research and analysis. Candidates should have hands-on experience in regional infrastructure and services development, as well as experience in data analytics or related fields, which is desirable but not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The position may involve periodic movement to different duty stations as per organizational needs. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. Candidates under serious consideration will undergo reference checks to verify their application information.