Economic Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is dedicated to delivering ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, guided by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• ECA operates with a mission to provide solutions to the continent's challenges and to advocate for Africa's position on global governance issues. The organization focuses on macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation, and it is involved in various sectors including climate change, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and natural resources. ECA is structured into divisions and sections, with the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) being one of its key components, responsible for enhancing climate resilience and achieving food security across member states.

Job Overview:
The Economic Affairs Officer position is situated within the Land and Agricultural Transformation Section (LATS) of ECA. The officer will work under the supervision of the Chief of LATS and will be responsible for conducting economic and sector analysis related to land and agricultural transformation in Africa. This role involves monitoring developments in land and agri-food systems, conducting research studies, drafting reports, and formulating policy recommendations. The officer will also engage in intergovernmental support, providing substantive support on economic issues, and representing the organizational unit at various meetings. Additionally, the officer will design and monitor technical cooperation projects, conduct training seminars, and support junior staff, ensuring effective collaboration and contribution to the organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Economic Affairs Officer will perform a variety of duties including: monitoring developments in Africa’s land and agri-food systems; designing and conducting research studies; drafting reports and policy recommendations; formulating proposals for development strategies; attending international, regional, and national meetings; organizing expert group meetings and seminars; providing substantive support to intergovernmental bodies; designing and monitoring technical cooperation projects; preparing analyses for advising national governments; conducting training seminars; supporting junior staff; and performing other related duties as required. The officer will also undertake on-the-job training activities and participate in broader organizational initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of economic theories and concepts as they relate to agricultural and food systems transformation and land management. The ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and develop sources for data collection is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, agricultural economics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in research, policy analysis, advocacy, technical assistance, and capacity development in agricultural development, food systems transformation, and land management is required. Specific experience in developing and leading technical cooperation projects in agro-industrialization and trade, as well as climate-resilient food systems, is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is desirable, and proficiency in an additional language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may require staff 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, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. Candidates under serious consideration will undergo reference checks to verify the information provided in their applications.