Director, D-1

UNECA - United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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 position is located in the Climate, Food Security and Natural Resources, and Green and Blue Economy Division Division. The Director reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Division is responsible for supporting the efficient management of natural resource endowments; reducing the negative impacts of climate change by moving towards green transitions and climate-resilient development and harnessing new technologies in the context of sustainable development. It is divided into three main sections: the African Climate Policy Centre; the Natural Resources and Green and Blue Economy Section; and the Land and Agricultural Transformation Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, of the Climate, Food Security and Natural Resources, and Green and Blue Economy Division, will be responsible for the following duties:

Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Division under his/her supervision. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Division and Department, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate;
Provides support to Member States and intergovernmental organizations in designing and implementing gender sensitive programmes and policies in the areas of climate change, green and blue economy, and natural resources management;
Leads and supervises research and technical assistance to improve capacities of policy makers in designing and implementing policies to address issues of climate change, environment and natural resource management, food security, transitioning to low-carbon and inclusive green and blue economy;
Leads and supervises research to enhance policy, legal and regulatory frameworks for sustainable management of renewable and non-renewable natural resources (minerals and extractives, fisheries, forest, water land marine and other biodiversity resources);
Nurtures current strategic partnerships with the AUC, AUDA-NEPAD and AfDB, identifying new partnerships for the Division to leverage outputs and implement activities;
Leads, supervises, and carries out the work programme of the Division under his/her responsibility. Co-ordinates the work carried out by different work units under the Division 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 Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly, 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 Division 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;
Prepares the work programme of the Division in consultation with the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme), 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 the Division, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, 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 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 in niche areas of work or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions;
Represents the Division and or the ECA were delegated to do so, at international, regional, or national meetings. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Managers and staff within the Division, Department, Office, Commission and/or Mission. Senior Staff within the UN Secretariat, Missions Heads and other UN offices, funds, programmes and specialized agencies. Representatives of Governments and representatives of non-governmental organizations. Chairs and members of intergovernmental bodies. Results expected: Produces high-quality outputs on key issues. Effectively and efficiently manages available human and financial resources to ensure the timely delivery of programmed outputs. Provides solid substantive support in the servicing of various committees and intergovernmental bodies; reports for these bodies are clear and focused on the issue at hand and the meetings or seminars are well-organized meetings or seminars and address the topics covered in a comprehensive manner. Effectively develops staff under his/her supervision, including their on-going learning and development. Effectively assists, guides and supports programme managers in meeting their objectives and outputs.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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. • 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. 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;
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 natural or earth sciences, economics, environment, development, business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences, or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree Doctorate is an advantage.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in climate change, environment, natural resource management, food security economics and policy research, analysis and international development human resources management, administration, logistics, financial management, budget, or related field is required. Senior-level experience in programme and project planning and management related to climate change and natural resource management is required. Demonstrated experience working on development issues in developing countries and in high-level dialogue on policy development with senior government representatives, heads of bilateral or multilateral institutions is required. A strong research record and policy analysis experience are required. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Relevant experience in leading a professional team and extensive international experience is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working language of the UN Secretariat. For this position fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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