Chief of Section, Economic Affairs
Organizational Context
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) aims to deliver impactful ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, guided by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) focuses on enhancing climate resilience, natural resource management, food security, and sustainable development. This role is situated within the CFND at ECA in Addis Ababa, reporting directly to the Director of the Division.
Job Purpose
The Chief of Section, Economic Affairs, is responsible for providing strategic policy guidance to the Director on natural resources governance and agri-food system transformation. This role oversees the planning, management, and execution of the Section's work program, ensuring timely and high-quality outputs. The incumbent will coordinate diverse projects, liaise with external organizations, and contribute substantive input for intergovernmental bodies. Key functions include resource allocation, budget preparation, performance monitoring, staff management, and fostering teamwork. The position also involves representing the organization at inter-agency meetings, engaging with development partners, and supporting the formulation of gender-sensitive policies to advance Africa's sustainable structural transformation and climate resilience.
Responsibilities
Provide policy guidance to the Director on strategy development and implementation for natural resources governance and agri-food system transformation. Oversee the planning and management of the Section's activities, ensuring timely execution of work programs and coordination of projects. Manage and supervise the Section's work program, ensuring high-quality outputs and adherence to mandates. Prepare substantive inputs for intergovernmental bodies and contribute to performance reporting. Allocate resources, determine priorities, and manage programmatic/administrative tasks, including budget preparation and performance monitoring. Recruit, manage, guide, develop, and train staff, fostering teamwork and communication. Represent the organization at inter-agency meetings and engage with development partners. Support the division in formulating and implementing gender-sensitive policies and establish research programs to enhance policy analysis and management related to climate change and resilience.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in natural resources governance and/or agri-food system transformation and sustainable development is required. Experience gained through research, policy, practice, and advisory services at national, regional, or international levels is essential. Experience in a developing country and in data analytics is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Accountability, Empowering Others, Managing Performance, Knowledge of natural resources governance and agri-food systems, Report writing, Policy analysis, Project management, Staff supervision, Inter-agency coordination, Development partner engagement.