The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa's (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: 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 Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division (MFGD) is headed by a Director and reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Division is responsible for supporting African member States in their efforts to accelerate economic transformation and inclusive growth through effective development planning, improved macroeconomic management and economic governance as well as better mobilization and allocation of domestic and international public finance. It is divided into three main sections: Macroeconomic Analysis Institutions and Economic Governance Section (MAIEGS), Spatial and Development Planning Section (SDPS) and Finance and Domestic Resource Mobilization Section (FDRMS). This position is located in the Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division (MFGD) in the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The Economic Affairs Officer will be under the overall supervision of, and report directly to, the Director of the Division. However, the incumbent will work across four (4) main divisions, including the African Centre for Statistics (ACS), the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) and the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES).

Within delegated authority, the Economic Affairs Officer conducts health financing and macroeconomic analyses to inform evidence-based policy advice for Member States. The role provides technical support on health financing reforms, UHC strategies, and fiscal planning; develops policy briefs and analytical reports; delivers capacity-building activities; manages technical cooperation projects; and supports intergovernmental process and partnerships to strengthen sustainable, equitable health financing systems across Africa.   The duties of an Economic Affairs Officer falls under the functional areas identified below. Economic or sector analysis: •Assess trends in health expenditure, fiscal allocations, efficiency of spending and fiscal space in member States, identifying emerging policy concerns relevant to sustainable and equitable health financing. •Conduct analytical studies and econometric assessments of health financing reform options, including assessment of national health insurance models, results-based financing, subsidies, domestic resource mobilization strategies, purchasing and provider payment arrangements, and innovative financing instruments. •Develops evidence-based policy recommendations for member States by applying econometric and public expenditure analysis to assess the impacts of health financing policies on equity, service coverage, and macro-fiscal stability. •Prepare national, regional and sector analyses to guide ECA advisory support and inform reforms in health financing and social protection systems. •Prepare policy briefs, technical reports, working papers, and contributions to ECA flagship publications. Policy Development and Advisory Services: •Provide technical and advisory support to Ministries of Finance, Health, Planning and Social Protection on health financing reforms and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) strategies by conducting policy diagnostics, reviewing legal and institutional frameworks, developing reform options, preparing technical guidance notes, and providing hands-on advisory services in the areas of national and social health insurance schemes, pooled purchasing and provider payment reforms, public financial management (PFM) for health, and transition planning from externally financed programme. •Support integration of health financing considerations into national development plans, medium-term expenditure frameworks, and sector budgeting processes by analysing fiscal space for health, advising on budget prioritisation and expenditure efficiency, and supporting the alignment of health sector strategies with macro-fiscal frameworks. •Facilitate high-level policy dialogue among government counterparts, social partners, and development agencies by organising and moderating technical workshops, policy roundtables, and inter-ministerial consultations, and by preparing evidence-based briefing materials to inform decision-making. •Support Member States in planning transition strategies from externally funded health programmes toward increased domestic financing by assessing transition readiness, identifying financing gaps and risks, developing phased transition roadmaps, and advising on resource mobilisation and sustainability options.   Capacity Development: •Design and deliver capacity-building programmes for government officials, local research institutions, and regional bodies on: - National Health Accounts (NHA) and expenditure tracking systems. - Fiscal space analysis and efficiency assessments. - Monitoring of UHC and SDG 3 indicators. - Public financial management reforms for the health sector. •Conduct training workshops, expert group meetings and learning exchanges to build policy and analytical capacity across member States. Applies foresight and behavioural science to enhance initiative. •Support long-term institutional capacity transfer strategies to enhance national leadership and sustainability by leveraging academic institutions, regional schools of public administration, and national technical agencies. Technical cooperation and programme management •Contribute to the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of multi-year technical cooperation projects by preparing project documents and workplans, tracking implementation progress against agreed results frameworks, drafting progress and performance reports, and systematically documenting lessons learned and good practices. •Contribute to the formulation of evaluation plans, methodologies and performance measurement frameworks for individual projects and regional initiatives by defining indicators, baselines and targets, designing and applying monitoring tools, and participating in mid-term and final evaluations, including the analysis of findings and recommendations. •Coordinate with development partners to harmonize support to health financing reforms by organizing and attending joint planning and review missions, preparing inputs and presenting institutional positions in donor coordination platforms, exchanging, reviewing and aligning analytical work with partners, and verifying consistency of joint activities with national priorities, United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks and relevant regional commitments. General •Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of programme inputs. •Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally. •Collects and analyses data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. •Participate in inter- and intra-divisional collaboration, representing the institution in corporate initiatives and thematic working groups.

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 identify and develop sources for data collection. 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 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 & 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in health economics, economics, public health economics, health policy or closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A PhD is an advantage. Additional training in public financial management, social protection, or macro-fiscal analysis is desirable. 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 (7) years of progressively responsible experience in health financing policy analysis, economic research or public financial management for health is required. Experience in designing or supporting social health insurance schemes, innovative financing mechanisms, or sector budget reforms is desirable. Experience working with governments, United Nations agencies, development partners or international organizations is desirable. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English

or

French is required; knowledge of the other language is desirable.

Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

French

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

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

This position is funded from extra-budgetary resources and is available for an initial period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to the availability of funds and/or extension of the mandate. The appointment against this post will be on a fixed-term basis and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment. Extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and continuing need for the functions. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her 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. Pursuant to Section 10 of Roster Management 10.1 of ST/AI/2025/2 Global rosters are built and maintained as follows: (a) Through generic job openings, by the Department of Operational Support and/or roster-building partners for positions in the Professional and higher categories and in the Field Service category; (b) Through a position-specific job opening process to fill a vacancy. The candidate endorsed by a central review body, who is approved for selection by the head of entity and who assumes the position, will be included in the roster. 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 un-represented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 December 2025, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Belize, China, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Turkmenistan, United States of America, Brunei Darussalam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Kiribati, 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.

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.