Director, Macroeconomic Policy Division, Addis Ababa

Department/ Office

Economic Commission for Africa

Duty Station

ADDIS ABABA

Posting Period

11 December 2013-9 February 2014

Job Opening number

13-ECO-ECA-32260-R-ADDIS ABABA(G)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Macroeconomic Policy Division (MPD) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Director of the Macroeconomic Policy Division will be responsible for the following duties:

• Advises the Executive Secretary on macroeconomic trends and major policy issues concerning the continent economies.
• Plans and effectively manages the implementation of the work programme of the Division in Finance and Private Sector, Renewal of Planning, Forecasting and Governance and Public Sector Management Section.
• Writes, supervises and finalizes reports for issuance by Division.
• Plans, designs and undertakes substantive research, studies and analysis for conceptualizing, formulating, preparing, reviewing and recommending enabling policies and legislative environment including codes of good governance practices, addressing issues related to accountability, transparency, ethics and integrity, public/private partnerships, legal and regulatory requirements, and public sector management.
• Provides leadership in analytical and advocacy work in areas such as macroeconomic analysis, forecasting, development planning, financing for development, governance and sectoral policies for public and private sector development in Africa, in collaboration with key staff from other Divisions.
• Conceptualizes the work program of the Division, manages the data collection, research and analytical work of the Division, identifies and analyses major trends in macroeconomics, financing for development, institutions, competitiveness of different sectors that affect the development of African economies and recommends areas of focus for study and strategies for implementation of the Division's programme.
• Conceptualizes major regional and sub-regional projects, builds networks and fosters cooperative programmes with partners, particularly key continental and sub-regional organizations and research and academic institutions; provides policy briefs and advisory services to Member States, and other stakeholders on matters relating to analysis, policy development, and programming; oversees dissemination of information and research results; identifies best practices and advocates for ECA position on economic development issues pertaining to the major areas of focus.
• Plans, organizes and directs the servicing of inter-governmental and interagency fora as well as other meetings and conferences relevant to the work of the Division.
• Administers the Division, including the budget, evaluation and human resource management functions, acts as ECA's chief spokesperson on development issues of critical importance to the Continent.

Competencies

Professionalism: Expert knowledge in the technical and policy aspects of official statistics; proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues; ability to review and edit the work of others. Ability to prepare reports or rationale with respect to key administrative decisions. Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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.

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.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics or other social sciences, management, business/public administration or related. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experiences may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience economic research or design and implementation of economic policies in multilateral organizations, government, research institutions or academia. Experience in the context of Africa involving government ministries or international organizations is required. Experience in programme planning, analysis and budgeting is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by 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.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.