United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Principal Economic Affairs Officer - Jobs in 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.
The position is located in the Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Director of RITD.
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.
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
Scholarship 2026/27
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Funding Opportunities for Journalists 2026/2027
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