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 solution 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. The Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resource Management Division (CFND) is headed by a director and is accountable to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Division is responsible for enhancing climate resilience, achieving food security and advancing inclusive and sustainable development by harnessing land, natural resources and the green and blue economies. It is divided into two main sections: African Climate Policy and Natural Resources and Food Systems. The position is located in the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Director, CFND.

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority, the Inter-regional Advisor – (Climate Policy and Governance) will be responsible for the following duties: – Provides technical advisory services on policies and strategies relating to climate negotiations policy and governance; climate finance; and climate data and information services, including through policy analysis and dissemination of frameworks and guidelines. – Supports member States, and subregional and regional organizations to develop, implement, monitor and report on national, subregional and regional climate policies and strategies, including NDCs design and implementation. – Develops institutional capacity for climate policy and governance in ECA member States through the design of structures, the ability to assess risks and challenges and to monitor and evaluate outcomes according to specified indicators. – Designs frameworks and guidelines for climate policy and governance, finance, data and information services in ECA member States and their institutions, including through the preparation of position papers and technical studies based on ECA analytical work. – Enables member States to harmonize their strategies for climate policy and governance, finance, data and information services in the context of regional integration programmes. – Supports member States to build climate resilience through climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and development planning. – Coordinates with UNFCCC, UNEP and other UN agencies and engages with regional bodies such as the African Union Commission, the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) donors, and others on joint programming and reporting – Represents ECA in regional and global climate forums. – Oversee ECAs technical and related support to the COP32 Presidency. – Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has expert knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and in the specific areas being supervised; has proven ability to conduct research, 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 Division 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 when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Knowledge of the African context. 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. 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. 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. Vision Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organizations strategy and the work units goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters, PhD or equivalent) in Economics, Business, Natural Resources Management, Political Economy, Law, Development Studies, Social Science or related field required. A first-level University degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. 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 ten years of progressively responsible experience in the field of water supply or water resource management, gained through research and the provision of related advisory services at national, regional and international levels, is required. Experience with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) climate negotiations process is desirable. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English

or

French is required. Knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

French

UN Level II

UN…