Chief of Section, Economic Affairs

About the role

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is recruiting a Chief of Section for the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) in Addis Ababa. The Division is headed by a Director and is accountable to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme); it covers climate resilience, natural resource management, food security and inclusive sustainable development. The position sits in the African Climate Policy section and works under the direct supervision of the Director.

Key responsibilities

• Provide policy guidance to the Director on strategy development and implementation of natural resources governance and agri-food system transformation, and on intra- and inter-divisional policies and procedures.
• Oversee planning and management of Section activities, coordinate projects and liaise with UN agencies, donors and other partners.
• Carry out, manage and supervise the Section's work programme, preparing inputs for the Division's work programme, setting priorities and allocating resources.
• Contribute to position papers and reports for intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, the Committee for Programme Coordination, the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly, and report on budget and programme performance.
• Ensure Section outputs meet high-quality standards, with clear, objective reports based on comprehensive data.
• Handle administrative tasks including budget preparation, results-based budgeting inputs, staff performance evaluations (PAS), candidate interviews and recruitment, while respecting geographical and gender balance.
• Manage, guide, develop and train staff, foster teamwork, and represent the Organization at inter-agency meetings and seminars on climate change.
• Support the Director in engaging development partners, help formulate gender-sensitive climate policies, establish research programmes to strengthen policymakers' capacity, and oversee research supporting climate-resilient policy, legal and regulatory frameworks.

Required profile

• Knowledge of natural resources governance and/or agri-food system transformation and sustainable development.
• Ability to write and edit technical reports and papers on natural resources and food systems.
• Professionalism, planning and organizing, accountability, empowering others and managing performance, as described in the competencies.