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Position Title: Senior Economic Affairs Officer
Location: Addis Ababa
Country: Ethiopia
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. ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a focus on five strategic directions: enhancing its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, contributing solutions to regional challenges, and advocating Africa's position at the global level. ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the continent's challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Economic Affairs Officer will play a pivotal role within the Macroeconomic Analysis Section of the Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division (MFGD) at ECA. This position involves leading and participating in the formulation, organization, and management of mandated programs of economic analysis, which includes macroeconomic modeling and forecasting, fiscal and monetary policy analysis, and the development of economic strategies and policies. The officer will be responsible for conducting rigorous macroeconomic studies on African development, managing a team of economists, and engaging with key development partners. The role requires a deep understanding of macroeconomic trends and the ability to provide policy advice to member states, ensuring that the ECA's work aligns with broader development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Economic Affairs Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: leading economic or sectoral analysis; formulating and managing economic analysis programs; conducting macroeconomic modeling and forecasting; identifying emerging development issues; making policy proposals; managing and supervising a team of economists; coordinating the production of major publications; commissioning external economic studies; organizing expert group meetings and seminars; preparing speeches and presentations; engaging with development partners; providing substantive support to intergovernmental bodies; managing the section's contributions to meetings; developing relations with member governments; leading Development Projects; contributing to the formulation of the medium-term plan and budget; and managing various administrative matters within the division.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced knowledge in economics, macroeconomics, or development economics, with the ability to apply economic theories and concepts effectively. They should demonstrate strong research skills, the ability to analyze and interpret data, and the capacity to develop and recommend economic policies. Professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing skills, leadership, and performance management are essential competencies for this role. The officer should also have experience in managing diverse teams and be able to work collaboratively to achieve organizational goals.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, macroeconomics, development economics, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in the specified fields combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of Econometrics programs, particularly in time series and panel Data Analysis, is advantageous. A Ph.D. in economics with a specialization in macroeconomics or development economics is also considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic and Development Research and practice is required. Candidates should have experience in formulating and implementing macroeconomic and development policies, preferably within international or regional organizations, central banks, or ministries of finance. A proven record of publications and experience in the African context are desirable, along with experience in managing diverse teams of professionals.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is desirable, and proficiency in another official United Nations language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The position may involve periodic relocation as part of Career Development within the UN system. Applicants from under-represented member states are particularly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.