Principal Economic Affairs Officer

Job Description

Job Family
Economic Affairs (and Sustainable Development)

Job Opening Number
22-Economic Affairs-ECA-186067-R-Addis Ababa (O)

Staffing Exercise
N/A

Description
Org. Setting and Reporting

ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.

The mission will be guided by ECA’s five strategic directions which are: advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.

The position is located in the Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Director of RITD.

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority, the Principal Regional Advisor will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide technical advisory services on policies and strategies relating to the negotiation of the AfCFTA; support member States in developing AfCFTA implementation strategies; through policy analysis, assist member States in understanding the implications for the AfCFTA for other trade and investment agreements (bilateral and multilateral, including at the WTO).
• Develop institutional capacity for deepening intra-African trade through regional value chains in Africa.
• Design frameworks and guidelines for the deepening of the role of the private sector in ECA member States and their institutions including through the preparation of position papers and technical studies based on ECA analytical work.
• Enable member States to harmonize their policies and strategies for trade, investment, competition, intellectual property and e-commerce in the context of the AfCFTA and regional integration programmes.
• Build effective partnerships with other UN system agencies and bilateral partners through joint activities, continuous dialogue, mobilization of support and knowledge sharing with ECA member States.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in economics, law, international public policy or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economics, the negotiation of trade agreements, investment agreements and large scale economic contracts, gained through research and the provision of related advisory services at national, regional and international levels is required.
• Experience working on issues related to African economies is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in either language is required; and knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This post is financed by Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation funds (RPTC).

The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.

Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year.

Staff members appointed to the current position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

About the Organization

Established in 1958, ECA is one of five regional commissions under the administrative direction of United Nations (UN) headquarters. As the regional arm of the UN in Africa, it is mandated to support the economic and social development of its 53 member States, foster regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. It reports to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The Commission is organized around six substantive programme divisions: Development Policy and Management; Economic and Social Policy; Gender and Development; Information for Development; Sustainable Development; and Trade and Regional Integration. Five subregional offices contribute a subregional perspective to the work programme and support outreach. Drawing on this structure, ECA deploys several modalities and services to support its member States: policy analysis and advocacy; enhancing partnerships; technical assistance; communication and knowledge sharing; and supporting subregional activities. Enhancing Partnerships Technical Assistance Communication and Knowledge Sharing Supporting Sub-regional Activities Regional Economic Communities (RECs)