Director

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: 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 solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. This post is located in the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Sub Regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) in Kigali, Rwanda. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme), and under the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary. The Sub Regional Office for Eastern Africa serves the following countries: Burundi, Comoros, D.R Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Director of the Sub Regional Office formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the SRO-EA and will be responsible for the following duties: • Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the SRO-EA, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the SRO and Headquarters, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate. • Provides intellectual, technical, and managerial vision and leadership for the SRO-EA. • Serves as principal technical and substantive adviser to the Executive Secretary on all matters pertaining to the regional integration, AfCFTA and cooperation in the Eastern Africa subregion and to the SROs. • In the context of the sub-region, assess economic and social development needs, develops policy, organizes research, designs, and executes programme initiatives, and monitors results in close collaboration with ECA Divisions and other SROs. • Leads, supervises, and carries out the work programme of the SRO-EA. Co-ordinates the work carried out by different work units under the SRO-EA and by other agencies and bodies of the United Nations system; provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others. • Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and other policy-making organs as appropriate. • Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports. • Ensures that the outputs produced by the SRO-EA maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Sections under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates. • Lead the preparation of the work programme of the SRO-EA in determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of SRO-EA, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. • Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical balance. • Manages, guides, develops, and trains staff under his/her supervision. • Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Branch/Service/Division and across organizational boundaries. • Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars. • Participates in international, regional, or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. Represents the Division at international, regional, or national meetings. • Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need. • Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has expert knowledge of the substantive field of regional integration and social and economic structural transformation in the context of Africa in general and in the specific areas being supervised; has proven ability to produce reports and documents on such issues and to review and edit the work of others; is able to manage the work of a team requiring an in-depth understanding of its strategic direction and is able to integrate the work of the SRO into the work programme of ECA; Is able to provide expert advice on substantive issues and to defend and explain difficult issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior officials and members of the intergovernmental bodies; 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 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. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 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. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, business, public administration, social sciences, development management or related areas is required. Consideration may be given to finance, Accounting, and law. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A Ph.D. in economics or development economics 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 fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in research, management and analysis of socio-economic development issues is required. Experience in leading a team of specialists in an interdisciplinary effort is required. Experience in handling a multidisciplinary portfolio of tasks and duties is required. Experience of management of development programmes in an international organization is desirable. Experience in facilitating and conducting intergovernmental processes is desirable. Experience of regional integration and social and economic structural transformation in the context of Africa is desirable. Experience in human resources management, administration, logistics, financial management, budget, or related field is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area 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

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include assessment exercises which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is available for two (2) years or upon the return of the incumbent, whichever date comes earlier. The selection of this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic background, or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. Pursuant to section 6.9 of ST/AI/2010/3/Rev. 1, interns, consultants, individual contractors, and gratis personnel may not apply for or be appointed to any vacancy in the Professional or higher categories within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals' programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. Pursuant to section 6.4 ST/AI/2010/3/Rev. 3, please ensure that you have met the eligibility requirements as shown below: 6.4 (a) Staff members who entered on duty before the effective date of the present administrative instruction shall have at least one geographical move, as defined in section 1 (h) above, before being eligible to be considered for jobs at the P-5 level and above. The following transitional measures will apply: (i) Staff members who entered on duty before the effective date of the present administrative instruction (other than staff members serving in language jobs, see section 6.4 (a) (ii) below) can be considered for higher-level jobs on the basis of having satisfied the lateral move requirements as set out in section 6.4 of ST/AI/2010/3/Rev.2 or on the basis of having satisfied the geographical move requirement under the present administrative instruction, whichever basis best facilitates the staff member's eligibility, up to and including the last day of the fifth year following the effective date of the present administrative instruction. 6.4 (b) Staff members (including staff serving in language jobs) who enter on duty on or after the effective date of the present administrative instruction will be required to have the following number of geographical moves before being eligible to be considered for jobs at the P-5 level and above: (i) Staff members who enter on duty at the P-4 or lower level shall have at least one geographical move, as defined in section 1 (h) above, before being eligible to be considered for jobs at the P-5 level and at least two geographical moves before being eligible to be considered for jobs at the D-1 level and above. (ii) Staff members who enter on duty at the P-5 level shall have at least one geographical move, as defined in section 1 (h) above, before being eligible to be considered for jobs at the D-1 level and above. 6.4 (c) There is no requirement for geographical moves for consideration for jobs at the same level. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 July 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.