Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme Support)

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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• ECA operates with a mission to advance its position as a premier knowledge institution that addresses the continent's challenges while promoting local solutions. The organization focuses on macroeconomic and structural policy options, innovative financing models, regional challenges, and advocating Africa's position globally. ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and plays a crucial role in supporting member states in their economic and social development efforts.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme Support) will work directly under the supervision of the Executive Secretary and collaborate closely with the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). This role is pivotal in assisting the Executive Secretary in fulfilling ECA's mandate, which includes promoting economic and technical cooperation among member states. The Deputy Executive Secretary will oversee the Sub-Regional Offices (SROs), the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), and other divisions to ensure alignment with ECA's strategic priorities. The position requires strong leadership in resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and the effective management of human, financial, and material resources. The incumbent will also contribute to ECA's knowledge generation and policy advocacy efforts, ensuring that the work of the IDEP/SROs is integrated with the Commission's broader initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Executive Secretary will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including assisting in the planning and management of ECA's programme support functions, coordinating the work of various divisions, ensuring effective contributions from IDEP/SROs, strengthening coordination with headquarters, mobilizing resources, representing the Executive Secretary in key engagements, advising on human resources management, overseeing administrative operations, managing budgets and resources, developing work plans, establishing policies and procedures, liaising with national authorities, and providing guidance and mentorship to staff. The role also involves acting as Chairperson of interdivisional management support committees, maintaining discipline among staff, and representing the Commission in legislative bodies and meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced knowledge and expertise in human resources, financial management, logistics, and administrative areas. Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills are essential, along with a demonstrated understanding of the African region's socioeconomic and political contexts. The ability to provide effective specialized advice and ensure compliance with organizational regulations is crucial. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, accountability, leadership, and sound judgment in decision-making.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business or public administration, human resources management, finance, accounting, social science, or a related field is required. A PhD in the specified or related areas is advantageous. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have over fifteen years of experience in administration, budget management, financial management, logistics, information technology, communication, or related fields. Experience in leading programmatic planning, implementation, or evaluation, particularly in developing countries, is required. Demonstrated experience in managing organizational budgets, operations, and procurement is essential, along with familiarity in handling audit matters and a multidisciplinary portfolio of tasks.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French, the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, is required. Knowledge of the other language is desirable, and proficiency in another UN official language 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 in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. Staff members must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment and annually thereafter. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the United Nations does not require any fees at any stage.