SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, P4

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:(a) 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; (b) Developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; (c) Designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; (d) Contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; (e) Advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. The Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Division (TICID) is led by a director who reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The division is tasked with aiding Member States and African institutions in promoting inclusive growth, sustainable development, and economic transformation in Africa through science, technology, and innovation, enhanced connectivity, and the development of logistics and infrastructure. The Division comprises two sections: Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section (TIDTS) and Connectivity and Infrastructure Section (CIS) This position is located in the Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section (TIDTS) of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Division, UN Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The incumbent ensures the planning and delivery of ECA’s activities aimed at promoting Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for development. Additionally, the position coordinates TICID’s efforts to advance the implementation of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA), as well as relevant regional and global STI frameworks. The Scientific Affairs Officer will report to the Chief of TIDTS.

Within delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the Chief of Technologies, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section, the Scientific Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Performs regional, sub-regional and national analysis as background studies for advising national governments • Designs technical modalities for the conduct of complex field reviews of an advanced nature • Prepares and coordinates analytical studies on Science, Technology and Innovation and policy relevant to ECA programmes, projects and initiatives. Based on the results of such studies, recommends policy proposals for inclusion in reports and other documents for African States, international bodies and other organizations • Designs policy frameworks, describing trends, patterns, and relationships, as well as analyzing the effects of alternative policy and assumptions. Acquires data on science, technology and innovation necessary for the specific assignment at hand. • Drafts necessary technical papers based on the results of advanced scientific, technology and innovation policy analysis. Reviews drafts of more routine studies • Represents ECA at meetings at the international, regional and national level to exchange information and coordinate ongoing work involving other organizations; conducts training seminars of African national experts for dissemination of ECA's strategies and initiatives and key positions on science, technology and innovation in Africa • Assists programme managers in formulating work programme activities, identifying services and products to be rendered to specific client groups, and preparing business plans and programme implementation plans; identifies appropriate measurable indicators for monitoring and evaluation of work programme performance and impact on ECA client groups; participates in the appraisal of extra-budgetary programme and project proposals before their submission to donors. • Drafts written instructions translating the decisions of ECA's legislative organs and other relevant bodies of the United Nations for implementation by the substantive programme and supporting divisions; adapts established standards, methodologies and techniques to monitoring and evaluation work; assists in installing, adapting and utilizing suitable software for use in the analysis, synthesis and presentation of programme performance data for monitoring evaluation exercises. • Participates in the creation, maintenance and updating of a database of key monitoring variables and analyzes collected data and information. • Performs other related duties as required

Professionalism: Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic and sustainable development. Ability to conduct independent research on economic topics, determine suitability, validity and accuracy of data provided by different sources. Ability to develop economic policies and make recommendations on their implementation. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 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 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.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Science, Technology and Innovation or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A PhD degree is an advantage. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science programs is an advantage.

Not available.

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in Science, Technology and Innovation, emerging technologies, economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes or programme planning, monitoring and evaluation and related issues is required. Experience of implementing result-oriented work programmes built around coherent strategies in Science, Technology, and Innovation sectors is required. Hands-on experience in developing and implementing a Science, Technology, and Innovation strategy for stakeholders at various levels is desirable. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable.

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

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 and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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 background, 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. 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. Applicants who have reached the mandatory age of separation are not eligible to apply for job openings. Pursuant to section 6.10 of ST/AI/2025/2, Interns, consultants, individual contractors, and gratis personnel may not apply for or be appointed to any vacancy in the Professional or higher categories and for positions at the FS-6 and FS-7 levels in the Field Service category within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. This restriction does not apply to Junior Professional Officers appointed under the Staff Rules or to United Nations Volunteers. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals' programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 June 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, People's Republic of China, Cuba, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, Monaco, Oman, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Turkmenistan, United States of America, Andorra, Brunei Darussalam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu.

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. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.