Director of the Sub Regional Office for Northern Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) was established to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, guided by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• ECA operates with a mission to advance its position as a premier knowledge institution, develop macroeconomic and structural policy options, design innovative financing models, contribute solutions to regional challenges, and advocate Africa's position at the global level. The organization serves several countries in Northern Africa, including Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia, and aims to create an environment conducive to employment for women and young people in the region. ECA is committed to high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, and emphasizes gender balance and geographical diversity in its staffing.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Sub Regional Office for Northern Africa (SRO-NA) is responsible for formulating and implementing the substantive work programme of the office. This role involves overseeing the management of activities, ensuring timely execution of programmed activities, and coordinating work within the SRO and with other UN organizations. The Director provides intellectual, technical, and managerial leadership, serving as the principal adviser to the Executive Secretary on matters related to regional integration and cooperation in Northern Africa. The position requires assessing economic and social development needs, formulating policy options, organizing research, and executing programme initiatives in collaboration with ECA Divisions and other SROs. The Director also leads the preparation of reports for intergovernmental bodies and ensures that outputs maintain high-quality standards. This role is pivotal in leading knowledge generation, policy advocacy, and outreach across the sub-region, as well as managing administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of SRO-NA.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director's responsibilities include overseeing the management of SRO-NA activities, providing leadership and vision, serving as a technical adviser, assessing development needs, formulating policy options, organizing research, and executing programme initiatives. The Director coordinates work among different units, prepares reports for intergovernmental bodies, ensures high-quality outputs, leads knowledge generation and dissemination, and manages administrative tasks such as budget preparation and staff evaluations. The role also involves recruiting staff, fostering teamwork, organizing meetings and seminars, representing the SRO at various levels, and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess expert knowledge of regional integration and socio-economic structural transformation in Africa. They should have proven abilities to produce reports on technical issues, manage team work, and provide expert advice on substantive issues. The ability to apply UN rules and regulations, demonstrate professionalism, and manage performance effectively is essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong planning and organizing skills, accountability, and leadership qualities, including the ability to empower others and drive change.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in economics, social sciences, development management, or a related area is required. Consideration may be given to degrees in business, public administration, finance, accounting, or law. A first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A PhD in economics is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, management, and analysis of socio-economic development issues is required. Candidates should have experience leading interdisciplinary teams and managing development programmes in international organizations. Desirable experiences include facilitating intergovernmental processes, regional integration, strategic planning, and human resources management.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position, while knowledge of English is desirable. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities upon request.