United-Nations-Economic-commission-for-africa-fellowship-for-young-african-professionals

Deadline: 5 June 2013

Service/Section: Green Economy and Natural Resources Section Estimated

Start Date: Effective Immediate

Duty Station: Addis Ababa Duration of need: Six months

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is inviting applications from qualified young African Professionals in the area of environment and sustainable development. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates applying for the position must be below 36 years of age at the time of the application. Candidates currently enrolled in a Ph.D. programme or with an admission are also welcome to apply.

Fellowship within ECA aim to provide practical, on-the-job experience to the professionals as they build and develop their  professional career at African development institutions, teaching and research think tanks or member States’ government  institutions. Fellows will also become familiar with the Commission’s broad programmes and services to member States and subregional bodies in addressing environment and sustainable development priorities in Africa.   ECA is the regional arm of the United Nations in Africa. Its mandate is to promote the social and economic development of Africa.

ECA’s dual role as a regional arm of the UN, and a part of the regional institutional landscape in Africa, positions it well to make unique contributions to member States’ efforts to address their development challenges. Its strength derives from its role as the only UN agency mandated to operate at the regional and sub-regional levels to harness resources and bring them to bear on Africa’s priorities.  

Eligibility Conditions

1. It is open only to nationals of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa member states.

2. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of USD 3,000. Fellows will be provided with a return air ticket between his/her country of residence and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

3. Fellows cannot be employed on ECA or United Nations regular positions within six months of completion of a fellowship period.

4. Fellows will work on a predefined project, designed to contribute to specific aspects of the work programme of the receiving section, the African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC). Terms of Reference for each fellowship assignment will be designed to guide the recruitment process.  

Duties and Responsibilities

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

• The Fellow will agree to a work programme in the area of environment and sustainable development, defined mutually with the receiving section. 
• The fellow will contribute to the work of the Section on environment and sustainable development by carrying out research, analytical studies, drafting reports and supporting other activities, as directed. 
• Assignments within the area of focus may include, but are not limited to, collecting, evaluating, interpreting, and analyzing economic, social, and environmental data. 
• The Fellow will also contribute to technical and policy reports, briefing notes, and 
• support in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, workshops, and seminars; and fulfill various other administrative tasks for the effective delivery of Environment and Sustainable Development Section’s activities.

Competence

• Professionalism:In-depth knowledge and understanding of sustainable development issues; conceptual and strategic ability to analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to environment and sustainable development in Africa, including ability to monitor and evaluate sustainable development; ability to translate sustainable development-related information into policy relevant analyses; ability to undertake research with limited supervision. 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.

   

• Planning and 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. 

• Client Orientation:Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’

  point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, environment and/or natural resources management or economics, development studies/economics, social sciences, or a related field, is required. A Ph.D. would be an advantage. 

Work Experience

Experience in research/analytical work in sustainable development-related areas in the context of Africa, either in the academia or in private, public or civil society organizations, is required. Experience in monitoring and assessing progress in sustainable development, in particular in developing countries, is an advantage.

Language

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

How to Apply

Clearly indicating your preferred area of consideration (in the cover/application letter), please submit your application package ensuring it includes at a minimum:

(1) A signed copy of application letter;

(2) A signed copy of Personal History Profile (please download the P11 Form at http://www.uneca.org/pages/vacancies;

(3) A copy of your High School/university diploma/degree(s)  and Certification(s);

(4) A copy of your national passport. All Submissions to be Sent to: [email protected]

Subject Line Ref. No. : HRSS/13/05/0697

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations Chapter 3, article 8).

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES).

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN IT SELF WITHIN FORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS. PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.