About the Organization
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: (a) 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 solution to the continent; (b) Developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; (c) Designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; (d) Contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; (e) Advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.
The Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Division (TICID) is led by a director who reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The division is tasked with aiding Member States and African institutions in promoting inclusive growth, sustainable development, and economic transformation in Africa through science, technology, and innovation, enhanced connectivity, and the development of logistics and infrastructure. The Division comprises two sections: Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section (TIDTS) and Connectivity and Infrastructure Section (CIS).
This position is located in the Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section (TIDTS) of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Division, UN Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The incumbent ensures the planning and delivery of ECA’s activities aimed at promoting Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for development. Additionally, the position coordinates TICID’s efforts to advance the implementation of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA), as well as relevant regional and global STI frameworks. The Scientific Affairs Officer will report to the Chief of TIDTS.
Job Summary
Within delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the Chief of Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section, the Scientific Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
Key Responsibilities
Performs regional, sub-regional and national analysis as background studies for advising national governments.
Designs technical modalities for the conduct of complex field reviews of an advanced nature.
Prepares and coordinates analytical studies on Science, Technology and Innovation and policy relevant to ECA programmes, projects and initiatives. Based on the results of such studies, recommends policy proposals for inclusion in reports and other documents for African States, international bodies and other organizations.
Designs policy frameworks, describing trends, patterns, and relationships, as well as analyzing the effects of alternative policy and assumptions. Acquires data on science, technology and innovation necessary for the specific assignment at hand.
Drafts necessary technical papers based on the results of advanced scientific, technology and innovation policy analysis. Reviews drafts of more routine studies.
Represents ECA at meetings at the international, regional and national level to exchange information and coordinate ongoing work involving other organizations; conducts training seminars of African national experts for dissemination of ECA’s strategies and initiatives and key positions on science, technology and innovation in Africa.
Assists programme managers in formulating work programme activities, identifying services and products to be rendered to specific client groups, and preparing business plans and programme implementation plans; identifies appropriate measurable indicators for monitoring and evaluation of work programme performance and impact on ECA client groups; participates in the appraisal of extra-budgetary programme and project proposals before their submission to donors.
Drafts written instructions translating the decisions of ECA’s legislative organs and other relevant bodies of the United Nations for implementation by the substantive programme and supporting divisions; adapts established standards, methodologies and techniques to monitoring and evaluation work; assists in installing, adapting and utilizing suitable software for use in the analysis, synthesis and presentation of programme performance data for monitoring evaluation exercises.
Participates in the creation, maintenance and updating of a database of key monitoring variables and analyzes collected data and information.
Performs other related duties as required.
Required Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Science, Technology and Innovation or a related field is required.
A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A PhD degree is an advantage.
Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science programs is an advantage.
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in Science, Technology and Innovation, emerging technologies, economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or programme planning, monitoring and evaluation and related issues is required.
Experience of implementing result-oriented work programmes built around coherent strategies in Science, Technology, and Innovation sectors is required.
Hands-on experience in developing and implementing a Science, Technology, and Innovation strategy for stakeholders at various levels is desirable.
2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in one of the working languages is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies
Professionalism:
Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Ability to develop economic policies and make recommendations on their implementation. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
Planning & Organizing:
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Teamwork:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.