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Temporary Vacancy Announcement

Open to Internal and External Candidates

       

Duty Station:                                      Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Post Title/Level:                                Chief Financing and Development Section, P-5

Deadline for Application:                9 November 2009

Date of Entry on Duty station:       To be determined

Duration of Assignment:           Initially for 11 months

 

Duties and responsibilities:

This post is located in the Trade, Finance and Economic Development Division (TFED) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Director of TFED, the incumbent will discharge the following functions:

  • Conduct policy-oriented research in the area of macroeconomics and development finance through the application of quantitative and qualitative methods.

  • Lead or participate in the identification of new or emerging development issues of potential concern to Africa and in the formulation, organization and management of mandated programmes of economic and development finance analysis and the formulation of possible economic strategies, policies and actions for adoption by African countries.

  • Manage and supervise a team of staff economists working in the area of development finance.

  • Commission economic studies and analyses that cannot be undertaken internally.

  • Conceive, plan and manage expert group meetings, seminars and similar consultations that contribute to the finalization of UNECA’s outputs.

  • Finalize reports on development for issuance by UNECA and present papers at professional meetings.

  • Prepare speeches for senior staff and make presentations on economic issues for specialist or non-specialist audiences.

  • Provide direct substantive and technical support on development issues to intergovernmental bodies, private sector and civil society at the regional and subregional levels, including the African Union/UNECA joint Conference of Ministers.

  • Lead or participate in technical cooperation missions and represent UNECA at international, regional and national meetings on development issues.

  • Develop and maintain relations with senior officials of Member States and ensure a response to requests for advice and/or assistance on economic issues and policies.

  • Organize and coordinate cooperation among Member States on economic programmes or issues.

The position requires frequent travel and interaction with staff throughout UNECA and senior officials in other UN organizations, regional and international organizations and governments and non governmental organizations.  The incumbent will be required to develop and produce sound analysis and practical policy advice to address the development problems of African countries.

Competencies: 
Professionalism:  Proven expertise in macroeconomic analysis and development finance research; in-depth technical knowledge and proven analytical skills in economic development issues. Excellent knowledge of development finance, macroeconomic policies, and African development issues, as demonstrated by publications in refereed journals and books. Good problem-solving skills are desired.
Communication: Strong written, oral and presentation skills; ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view.
Technology awareness: Ability to use computer applications as tools for statistical and quantitative economic analysis. Strong computer skills including the use of software relating to macroeconomic and financial research and analysis as well as presentation programmes and the Internet are required.
Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to lead a team with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.
Planning and organizing: Proven ability to plan and organize the work of a unit, requiring an in-depth understanding of its strategic direction and an ability to integrate the work of the unit into the divisions work programme.
Leadership:  Proven ability in: providing leadership, organization, programme management and performance evaluation; applying good judgment in the context of work assignment; plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and of the work of a unit including management of consultants and conflicting priorities; Demonstrable gender sensitivity and commitment to incorporate gender perspectives into substantive work. Commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing.

Qualification:

Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or development economics, or related fields with an emphasis on macroeconomics or finance. A PhD is desirable. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in economic and development policy analysis,preferably in Africa. Part of this experience should be in the area of finance and development policy. This experience may have been gained through working with governments, research institutes, or international organizations dealing with development.
Languages:   
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English or French is required. Working knowledge of the other language is an advantage.

How to Apply:
Staff members who wish to be considered for the above post are requested to express their interest by writing to Ms. Susan Mokonyana, Chief, Human Resources Services Section and send their applications to Ms. Chris Xaba-Caulker at the following address:

Human Recourses Services Section
P O. Box 3001
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Or by e-mail: RecruitmentPPost@uneca.org
A copy of a Personal History Profile (PHP) and of the latest e-PAS should be attached to the application for internal candidates.
External candidates are advised to submit the hard copy of their Personal History Profile (PHP) with a cover letter expressing their interest for the position either through fax # +251 11 5510489 or by Email: RecruitmentPPost@uneca.org
APPOINTMENTAGAINST THIS TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT DOES NOT CARRY ANY EXPECTATION OF RENEWAL OR CONVERSION TO ANY OTHER TYPE OF APPOINTMENT