Chief of Section, Economic Affairs

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Position Title: Chief of Section, Economic Affairs
Location: Kigali
Country: Rwanda
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 African countries. Its mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, guided by the 2030 Agenda and the African Union's Agenda 206

• The ECA operates with a focus on advancing its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, and advocating for Africa's position at the global level. The Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) is located in Kigali, Rwanda, and is responsible for contributing to structural transformation for inclusive and sustainable development in Eastern Africa. The office is divided into two main sections: the Regional Integration and AfCFTA Section and the Sub-Regional Initiative Section (SRI).

Job Overview:
The Chief of Section, Economic Affairs SRI, is a senior position within the Sub-regional Initiatives Section of the ECA, responsible for leading and managing economic analysis and policy formulation for East African Member States. This role involves overseeing a team of economists, conducting economic studies, and providing substantive support to intergovernmental bodies. The Chief of Section is expected to develop and implement strategies to address emerging development issues, manage expert group meetings, and prepare reports and presentations on economic matters. The position requires a strong understanding of economic theories and the ability to apply them in various sectors, as well as the capacity to engage with senior officials and stakeholders across different levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the formulation, organization, and management of economic analysis programs and strategies for East Africa.
• Identify new development issues and design programs to address them.
• Supervise a team of economists and oversee economic studies.
• Organize expert group meetings and consultations to finalize outputs.
• Prepare reports and speeches for senior staff on economic issues.
• Provide substantive support to intergovernmental bodies and manage meetings.
• Develop relations with member governments and negotiate technical assistance programs.
• Contribute to the formulation of the medium-term plan and budget of the unit.
• Analyze data to identify trends for decision-making and reporting. 1
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or a related field.
• A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Successful completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is an advantage.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, policy formulation, and application of economic principles in development programs is required.
• 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 or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, and the application of economic principles in development programs. Experience in data analytics or related fields is desirable, as is experience in promoting collaborative approaches among diverse partners.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.