Scientific Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aims to foster an empowered and transformed Africa through knowledge and action, aligning with the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Division (TICID) supports Member States in promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development via science, technology, and innovation. This Scientific Affairs Officer role is within the Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section (TIDTS) of TICID.
Job Purpose
The Scientific Affairs Officer plays a crucial role in advancing Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for development across Africa. This position is responsible for planning and delivering ECA's STI-focused activities, coordinating efforts to implement the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) and related global frameworks. The role involves conducting in-depth regional, sub-regional, and national analyses to advise governments, designing technical modalities for complex reviews, and preparing analytical studies on STI policy. Recommendations from these studies inform policy proposals for African States and international bodies. The incumbent will also represent ECA at international meetings, conduct training for national experts, and assist programme managers in formulating work plans and identifying measurable indicators for monitoring and evaluation.
Responsibilities
The Scientific Affairs Officer will conduct regional, sub-regional, and national analyses to advise governments and design technical modalities for complex field reviews. Responsibilities include preparing and coordinating analytical studies on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy relevant to ECA programs, and recommending policy proposals for reports. The role involves designing policy frameworks, analyzing trends, and acquiring necessary STI data. The incumbent will draft technical papers based on advanced STI policy analysis, represent ECA at international meetings, and coordinate ongoing work with other organizations. Additionally, the officer will conduct training seminars for African national experts on ECA's STI strategies and positions. Assistance will be provided to programme managers in formulating work program activities, identifying services, preparing business plans, and establishing monitoring and evaluation indicators. The role also includes drafting instructions for implementation, adapting methodologies for monitoring and evaluation, and managing STI data through database creation and analysis.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), emerging technologies, economic research, policy formulation, or program planning and evaluation is required. Experience in implementing result-oriented work programs within STI sectors is essential. Desirable experience includes hands-on work in developing and implementing STI strategies and at least two years in data analytics.
Skills
Professionalism, ability to apply economic theories, conduct independent research, develop economic policies, and make recommendations. Strong planning and organizing skills, including goal setting, prioritization, and resource allocation. Effective teamwork, collaboration, and willingness to learn from others. Ability to analyze and interpret data for decision-making and communicate findings.