The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) calls for applications for the ECA Fellowship Programme 2023 from qualified young African professionals in the following thematic areas:
- Macroeconomic policy, development planning, Economic Governance & Public Finance;
- Industrialisation and Economic Diversification Policies;
- Regional Integration;
- Infrastructure and Trade;
- Private Sector Development & Finance, including Innovative Finance & Capital Markets;
- Poverty, Inequality and Social Policy;
- Food Systems and Food Security;
- Gender Equality and Women Empowerment;
- Demographic Dynamics for Development;
- Innovation and Technology;
- Climate Change & Management of Natural Resources, including Green Economy;
- Labor Economics and Employment; and
- Communication and Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation;
About the Fellowship
This programme aims to provide practical and on-the-job experience to young professionals in their early and middle careers through exposure and ensuring adequate learning experience in a multicultural environment. Qualified candidates will be provided with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the ECA’s comprehensive programmes and services to member States and subregional bodies in addressing the economic and social dimensions of Africa’s development priorities.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the qualified candidates will be responsible for the following duties:
- Agree to a work programme in the economic and social development department as defined mutually with the receiving/mentoring division, sub-regional office or centre.
- Contribute to the work of the division, sub-regional office or centre by carrying out research, analytical studies, reports and supporting other activities as directed. In addition, assignments within the focus areas may include but are not limited to collecting, evaluating, interpreting, and analysing economic, social and political development issues in the focus areas.
- Contribute to technical and policy reports, briefing notes, and support in the organisation; manage expert group meetings, workshops, and seminars and fulfil various other administrative tasks to deliver the activities effectively;
- Prepare research papers and make presentations during the fellowship.
Competencies
Professionalism:
- Possess In-depth knowledge and understanding of socio-economic and political development issues;
- Possess the conceptual and strategic ability to analyse and evaluate critical matters on socio-economic and political issues in Africa, including the ability to translate development-related data/information into policy-relevant analyses;
- Ability to undertake research with limited supervision; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
- Self-motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Possess persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; and
- Responsible for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication:
- Efficient oral and verbal communication skills; and
- Ability to present high-level papers to peers and stakeholders, both at the institutional, regional and international levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style.
Teamwork
- Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve the organisation’s goals;
- Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
- Willingness to learn from others;
- Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
- Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings; and
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds and respect for diversity.
Qualifications
Master’s Degree or doctorate or equivalents in economics, development studies, political economy, international affairs, political and social sciences, peace and human security, public administration, law, minerals and natural resources, engineering, and related field.
Experience
Academic research or work related to the thematic focus areas:
Experience in research/analytical work in socio-economic and political development, natural resource management/law, regional integration, infrastructure development, governance, peace and related areas in the context of Africa, either in the academia, private, public or civil society organisations;
Language Proficiency
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the fellowship advertised, fluency in either language is required, and working knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Application Process
Candidates must submit their Administrative Profiles (APs) and the following documents as PDF attachments:
- UN Administrative Profile (AP) in PDF format, including a motivation statement (cover letter) within the AP (to be submitted as an attachment to email submission).
- The UN AP can be created by signing up for an account at: https://inspira.un.org;
- Applicants should refer to the Annex of this document which contains detailed step-by-step instructions about how to create an AP within the Inspira system and generate a PDF of the document which must be attached to your email submission;
- The instructions referenced above detail how applicants can create a draft AP (not tied to any published Job Opening) within Inspira, and save the draft AP as a PDF for inclusion as an attachment to the applicant’s email submission;
- The motivation statement is created as part of the online AP creation process in Inspira, and will be visible towards the end of the AP PDF under the heading “Motivation Statement for this Application”;
- If after reviewing the information above, you are still unable to generate the AP in the indicated PDF format, you may email: Bilen Kassahun at kassahunb@un.org for technical support. Please plan your time and attempt to create the draft AP well in advance;
- A research proposal of not less than 1,000 words (in the candidate’s preferred thematic area listed above);
Deadline for Applications
Applicants are expected to submit their applications by 26 January 2023 at 11:59 p.m., Addis Ababa time. All applications should be emailed to RecruitmentPPost@un.org with the subject line: ECA Fellowship for Young African Professionals, 2023.
Additional Notes
- Candidate must indicate the thematic area of choice at the top of the research proposal;
- Copies of all advanced-level academic degrees obtained (e.g. Doctorate and/or Master’s degree(s). As an advanced-level degree is required for the fellowship, first-level (bachelor’s) degrees and certificates should NOT be submitted;
- Copy of the applicant’s national passport (information page only); if you hold multiple nationalities, the passport provided should be that of an ECA member State); and
- Three letters of reference/recommendation. An impeccable record of integrity, professional and ethical standards is essential.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in its recruitment. Qualified female candidates and young scholars are particularly encouraged to apply. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
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