Chief, Financing for Development Section, P5 At UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Org. Setting and Reporting​_

This position is located in the Financing for Development Section, Macroeconomic Policy and Financing for Development Division. The incumbent reports directly to the Director of the Division.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Chief of the Section will be responsible for the following:

•Plans, participates and oversees the research and analytical activities and projects undertaken by the Section in the areas of financing for development that are aligned with overall objectives and work programme of the Division. Specifically, leads (i) the organization and management of work programme related to financing for development and formulation of potential financing strategies, policies and actions for consideration by member States, and (ii) the identification of new or emerging financing related issues, particularly those coming out of global and regional processes, and develops ideas, including through projects, to address and/or implement them at the country level. Ensures that these activities are carried out in a timely fashion.
•Works closely with the Director and Chiefs of other Section(s) of the Division on conceptual development and management of the work programme of the Division and implementation of overall strategies and intra and inter-divisional policies and procedures, keeping in view the global processes and engagements of the Division.
•Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Section and across organizational boundaries by developing strong relationships and collaborates effectively while implementing the work plan of the Section, coordinating within the Section, with other teams of the Division, with other ESCAP divisions/SROs, and with organizations of the United Nations system and external partners, as appropriate.
•Develops innovative ideas and prepares inputs for the work programme of the Section that is aligned with the overall objectives and work programme of the Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
•Plans, leads and coordinates research/analysis in the preparation of position and/or background papers and reports on emerging financing for development issues, and for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as ESCAP Commission session, the APFSD, and Committee on Macroeconomic Policy, Poverty Reduction and Financing for Development, as appropriate.
•Manages, supervises his/her team effectively while carrying out the work programme and analytical and project-related work of the Section under his/her responsibility and provides substantive reviews of drafts prepared by others. Keeps the Director and Chiefs of other Section(s) of the Division abreast of the work of his/her Section regularly and in a structured manner.
•Ensures that the outputs produced by the Section maintain high-quality standards and are aligned with the objectives of the Division; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data and analysis.
•Carries out administrative tasks necessary for an effective and smooth functioning of the Section, including preparation of budgets, allocation of responsibilities within the team through regular and clear communication in a transparent manner, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters, reporting on budget/programme performance, and evaluation of staff performance (PAS) .
•Oversees the process of recruiting staff for Section, in consultation and coordination with the Division Director, through interviews and evaluation of candidates, taking due account of geographical and gender balance and other institutional values.
•Manages, guides, and develops staff under his/her supervision, and fosters teamwork, information sharing, and a culture of healthy debate among staff in the Section.
•Represents the Division and ESCAP at inter-agency meetings, workshops, se​_minars, etc. on substantive financing for development related issues. Conceives, plans and manages expert group meetings, workshops, policy dialogues and other similar consultations that contribute to the finalization of the work of the Section.
•Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides substantive expertise on financing for development related issues, and holds substantive discussions with representatives of other institutions and partners.
•Performs other tasks and duties as assigned by the Director, related to the work of the Section.

Requirements

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, development economics, financial economics, development finance, or related area. A first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Ph.D. in any of the above fields is highly desirable.

Work Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes in the area of financial economics or related area, is required. Experience in leading and managing a sizable work unit of at least 10 professional staff is required. Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks is desirable. Research and analysis in the above fields as demonstrated through authored publications is also desirable.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Application deadline: 16 September 2021