Director - Economic Transformation Specialist

OCHA is a dynamic organization dedicated to delivering impactful solutions for an empowered and transformed Africa. Our mission is guided by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063, focusing on accelerating economic diversification and job creation through strategic policy options.

We operate within the framework of the United Nations' five strategic directions, emphasizing our role as a premier knowledge institution. We work closely with ECA's Divisions and other Sub-Regional Offices to drive meaningful change in the Northern Africa subregion.

This Director position plays a pivotal role in leading the Sub-Regional Office for Northern Africa (SRO-NA) in Rabat, Morocco. The main objective is to contribute to achieving structural transformation and balanced development through implementation of an environment conducive to the creation of employment for women and young people in North Africa.

The incumbent will oversee the management of activities undertaken by SRO-NA, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and coordinating work in different areas both within the SRO and Headquarters, as well as with other organizations of the United Nations System.

• Formulate and implement the substantive work programme of the SRO-NA.
• Oversee the management of activities undertaken by SRO-NA, ensuring timely execution and coordination with other UN entities.
• Provide intellectual, technical, and managerial vision and leadership for the SRO-NA.
• Serve as principal technical and substantive adviser to the Executive Secretary on regional integration, AfCFTA, and cooperation in the Northern Africa subregion.
• Assess economic and social development needs, formulate relevant policy options, organize research, design and execute programme initiatives, and monitor results.
• Lead, supervise, and carry out the work programme of SRO-NA under their responsibility.
• Coordinate the work carried out by different work units under SRO-NA and other agencies and bodies of the United Nations system.
• Coordinate and oversee the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies.

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Expert knowledge of regional integration and social and economic structural transformation in the context of Africa.
• Ability to manage teams and integrate their work into the overall programme.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality reports and papers on technical issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

An advanced university degree in economics, social sciences, or a related area is required. A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, management, and analysis of socio-economic development issues is also necessary.

Candidates with experience in leading interdisciplinary teams, managing development programmes, and facilitating intergovernmental processes are highly desirable. Knowledge of Arabic is an added advantage.