ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

### 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 Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) is headed by a director who reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Division is responsible for contributing to effective regional cooperation and integration among Member States by supporting efforts to deepen regional markets, boost intra-African trade, accelerate industrialization and economic diversification, foster regional value chains, and contribute to Africa’s structural transformation. It is divided into two main sections: the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC), and the Regional Integration and Economic Diversification Section (RIEDS). This position is located in the Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The Economics Affairs Officer will work under the general guidance of the Director of the division and will report directly to the Chief of the Regional Integration and Economic Diversification Section of RITD. ### Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Economic Affairs Officer will carry out the following functions Economic or sector analysis • Develops socio-economic databases and qualitative information necessary for specified recurrent or ad hoc assignments. • Conducts technical and empirical studies and prepares policy papers on topical issues, with a special focus on Africa’s regional and global economic and trade integration through economic diversification and industrialization. Interprets, applies and, as necessary, adapts econometric models to determine trends, patterns and relationships and to analyse the effects of alternative policies and assumptions. • Drafts specified inputs for technical papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national or sector aspects of economic development. • Identifies and analyses policy proposals made elsewhere relating to assigned topics. • Attends international, regional, and national meetings to collect information and to hold discussions with colleagues in other institutions. • Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc. on development issues. • Prepares speeches and other inputs for presentations by senior staff. 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 development issues for intergovernmental processes. Technical cooperation • Participates in missions on development issues, usually as a member of a team. • 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 sector technical cooperation projects. • Monitors, backstops and assesses the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects. • Provides technical assistance and advisory services to the African Union Commission, the African Regional Economic Communities (RECs), member States and relevant institutions General • 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. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: • Colleagues and senior staff within the immediate work unit and peers in the broader organizational unit. • Middle-level officials of UN agencies, regional and global development banks and other international organizations. • Government officials, academics and other members of civil society. ### 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 and determine the suitability, validity, and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Shows skill in developing sources for data collection. 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 analyse and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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. ### Education An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of study, with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A PhD is an advantage. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. ### Job - Specific Qualification Not available. ### Work Experience A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes, or related areas is required. Exposure to work on regional integration, industrialization, investment, trade and/or value chains is required. Experience in conducting and publishing interdisciplinary, empirical and or policy research in these areas are desirable. Experience in developing countries' regional integration issues 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 is required. Knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN Official language is an advantage. The table below shows the minimum require