Principal Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is dedicated to delivering innovative ideas and actions aimed at empowering and transforming Africa. Established to support the continent's development, ECA operates under the guiding principles of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• The organization focuses on five strategic directions: enhancing its role as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic policies for economic diversification, designing innovative financing models, addressing regional challenges, and advocating for Africa's position in global governance. ECA's mission is to provide solutions to the continent's challenges and facilitate regional integration and trade, with a commitment to sustainable development and social inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Principal Economic Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in providing strategic and technical advisory services to the Permanent Missions of African countries in Geneva. This position involves guiding member States on policies and strategies related to multilateral trade negotiations and their implications for regional integration and sustainable development. The officer will support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by assisting member States in developing strategies and understanding the implications of trade agreements. The role also includes enhancing Africa's bargaining power in global trade, developing frameworks for intra-African trade, and building partnerships with UN agencies and bilateral partners. The incumbent will lead efforts to collect and analyze data, ensuring effective decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Economic Affairs Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Providing strategic and technical advisory services to African countries on multilateral trade negotiations.
• Supporting member States in developing AfCFTA implementation strategies through policy analysis.
• Enhancing Africa's bargaining power in global trade and strengthening the African Group at the WTO.
• Developing institutional capacity for intra-African trade through regional value chains.
• Designing frameworks for the private sector's role in ECA member States.
• Enabling member States to harmonize their trade negotiation positions.
• Building partnerships with UN agencies and bilateral partners.
• Leading data collection and analysis efforts to identify trends for decision-making.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess expert knowledge in economics and sustainable development, with proven abilities in report production and team management. The ideal candidate should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and effective communication skills. They should be able to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making and convey information clearly to management and stakeholders. Leadership qualities are essential, including the ability to inspire others and drive change while ensuring gender balance in staffing.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in economics, law, international public policy, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor's) in the specified fields with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economics and sustainable development is required. Candidates should have experience in multilateral, regional, and bilateral trade and climate issues, as well as providing support for trade and investment negotiations. Experience in advisory services at national, regional, and international levels is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked on issues related to developing economies and data analytics.

Languages:
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, either English or French, is required, with knowledge of the other being desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation funds and is expected to provide resident advisory services in Geneva, Switzerland. The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and availability of funds. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are urged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted.