Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, ECA’s mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development.

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority, the Principal Regional Advisor will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide technical advisory services on policies and strategies relating to the negotiation of the AfCFTA; support member States in developing AfCFTA implementation strategies; through policy analysis, assist member States in understanding the implications for the AfCFTA for other trade and investment agreements (bilateral and multilateral, including at the WTO).
• Develop institutional capacity for deepening intra-African trade through regional value chains in Africa.
• Design frameworks and guidelines for the deepening of the role of the private sector in ECA member States and their institutions including through the preparation of position papers and technical studies based on ECA analytical work.
• Enable member States to harmonize their policies and strategies for trade, investment, competition, intellectual property and e-commerce in the context of the AfCFTA and regional integration programmes.
• Build effective partnerships with other UN system agencies and bilateral partners through joint activities, continuous dialogue, mobilization of support and knowledge sharing with ECA member States.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Competencies

Professionalism: Expert knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and in the specific areas being supervised; 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 Centre 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.

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 the 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.

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.

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 improvement; does not accept the status quo. 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in economics, law, international public policy or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economics, the negotiation of trade agreements, investment agreements and large scale economic contracts, gained through research and the provision of related advisory services at national, regional and international levels is required.

Experience working on issues related to African economies is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in either language is required; and knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

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