Job 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:(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 Macroeconomics and Governance Division (MGD) is headed by a director who reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Program
The Division is responsible for supporting African Member States in their efforts to accelerate economic transformation and inclusive growth through effective development planning, improved macroeconomic governance as well as improved mobilization of resources to ensure inclusive growth and structural transformation within its members. It’s divided into three main sections: Macroeconomic Analysis, Institutions & Economic Governance Section (MIGS), Finance and Domestic Resource Mobilization Section (FDRMS), Sustainable Development and Integrated Planning Section (SDIPS). This position is located in the Sustainable Development and Integrated Planning Section (SDIPS) and the Social Affairs Officer will report to the Chief of SDIPS.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and under the overall direction of the Director of MGD and the direct supervision of the Chief of SDIPS, the Social Affairs Officer will carry out the following duties:
Social Analysis
- Participates in the analysis of sustainable development, development planning and urban development issues at the global, regional, national and sub-national levels; undertakes empirical research and analysis of trends and developments and related policy issues relevant to Division mandate, projects and initiatives; and recommends proposals for inclusion in reports to intergovernmental bodies, member states.
- Develops indicators and methodologies for review and evaluation of sustainable development, urban development and integrated planning.
- Liaises with officials of governments, representatives of national, regional and global organizations of the UN system, etc. on sustainable development, urban development and integrated planning policy issues related to the implementation of specific programmes, action plans or other initiatives, and provides advice on a range of related matters.
- Assists in the planning, organizing and servicing of technical and ad hoc expert group meetings; drafting reports and preparing summaries of meetings, etc.
- Represents the Division at international and other meetings; organizes and participates in working groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on social and economic development-related matters.
- Prepares/contributes to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications, e.g., draft reports or sections of analytical reports, studies, background papers, parliamentary documents, briefings, correspondence, etc. Intergovernmental support
- Prepares inputs for reports to intergovernmental bodies.
- Follows intergovernmental meetings and prepares summary reports.
- Prepares inputs to statements by members of the bureau and Secretariat staff to such meetings.
- Assists in the organization of panels, round tables, etc. on sustainable development and integrated planning issues for intergovernmental processes. Technical Cooperation
- Organizes training seminars for national experts.
- Prepares documentation for technical cooperation programmes and projects.
- Contributes to the preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sectoral technical cooperation projects.
- Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.
- Participates in fact-finding and advisory missions to government and other activities in support of work programme.
- Assists the section in mobilizing internal and partner resources (extra-budgetary resources, grants, and joint-funded activities) to finance non-recurrent activities and overall ECA engagement on sustainable development and integrated planning matters.
General
- Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff.
- Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services.
- Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.
- Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
Competencies
Professionalism:
Knowledge and practical application of theories and concepts related to social development, social policy, sustainable development, development planning and / or urban development, including ability to use approaches and techniques to address difficult problems. Strong analytical capacity and the ability to identify, analyze and articulate difficult issues/problems. Ability to use sound judgment. Strong research skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources using standard methodologies and analytical techniques, draw conclusions and assess impact on social development and policy issues. Ability to provide guidance to new/junior staff. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
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.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international development, development planning, urban planning, economics, sociology, or other social science or 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.
Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.
Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in development planning, urban development, sustainable development, socio-economic development, policy analysis, sociological research, or related areas is required.
Experience in quantitative analysis and research in sustainable development, development planning, and / or urban development is desirable.
Experience in developing countries is desirable.
Experience in supporting the delivery of technical assistance to member States is desirable.
2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat is required.
Knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult
https://languages.un.org
for details).
Required Languages
Language
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
English
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
French
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
UN Level II
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include assessment exercises, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
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 a 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency,...