Org. Setting and Reporting

ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa;
informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063.

The mission is guided by ECA’s five new 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 African Centre for Statistics (ACS) is headed by a Director and reports to the Deputy
Executive Secretary (Programme). The Centre is responsible for improving production,
dissemination and use of quality data and comparable data and statistics in Africa to support
evidence-based policymaking, planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting under the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 The Africa We Want. It is
divided into four main sections: Economic, Infrastructure and Agriculture Statistics;
Demographic and Social Statistics; Statistical Development, Data Innovation and Outreach;
and Geospatial Information Management Systems.

This position is located in the Economic, Infrastructure and Agriculture Statistics Section of the African Centre for Statistics in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbent of the position works under the overall guidance of the Director, of the African Centre for Statistics, and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Economic, Infrastructure and Agriculture Statistics Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Plans, develops and advises on conceptual and practical methodological work to assist countries in the implementation of the System of National Accounts (SNA).
• Conducts analytical programmes of work in relevant areas of economic statistics including satellite accounts, natural capital accounts and use of administrative, Big data and data science potentials.
• Ensures the quality of collected data for accuracy, consistency and comparability.
• Initiates and coordinates the development of appropriate methods for obtaining relevant
data.
• Ensure the quality of collected data for accuracy, consistency, and comparability.
• Supervises and contributes to the development of relevant databases, web-publishing tools and other software for the collection, storage, and distribution of statistical data.
• Undertakes methodological research concerning standards on concepts, definitions and classifications of the SNA for regular updates of the System (i.e., classifications, interpretations, or changes) to assist countries and other constituents in strengthening their statistical development.
• Develops new or improved statistical methods and quantitative models for analyses and projections.
• Plans and coordinates seminars, workshops, expert meetings, etc.
• Plans, organizes, manages, and supervises the work of the section assigned as well as liaising with other sections in the African Centre for Statistics and other ECA divisions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of statistical programmes to analyse and evaluate complex data. Ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches with respect to statistical development. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with the final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Planning and Organizing: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identify priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; allocate an appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning; monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology, or related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of statistical data or related areas is required.

Experience in participating in the implementation and updating programme and activities of the System of National Accounts (SNA) is required.

Experience in developing statistical and analytical methods and models for the evaluation and application of data on economic statistics, national accounts, and socio-economic policies is desirable.

Experience in providing technical guidance and advice and delivering a statistical capacity-building programme through workshops, seminars, and meetings is desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application may be followed by a competency-based interview.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 March 2023, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.