About the Organization
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a pioneering force in driving the economic transformation of the African continent. Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, the ECA’s mission is to promote regional integration and catalyze sustainable development across its 54 Member States. At a time when global financial structures are undergoing profound shifts, the ECA stands as the primary advocate for Africa’s economic interests, ensuring the continent’s voice is heard in high-level international discourse.
The organization operates at the intersection of policy and practice, providing expert analysis on debt management, innovative financing, and macroeconomic stability. Through the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme) and Chief Economist, the ECA oversees a vast array of strategic tracks, ranging from climate change and technology to gender equity and private sector development. We are committed to building high-impact solutions that address the annual $1.3 trillion SDG financing gap, fostering an Africa that is resilient, prosperous, and self-sufficient.
Culture at the ECA is defined by intellectual leadership, analytical rigor, and a deep sense of social responsibility. We operate in a fast-paced environment where the brightest minds in economics and finance collaborate to solve unprecedented global challenges. Diversity is our cornerstone; we believe that inclusive industrialization and balanced development can only be achieved through a workforce that reflects the rich tapestry of the African continent and the global community.
The ECA plays a pivotal role in coordinating the High-level Working Group on the Global Financial Architecture (HLWG-GFA). This group serves as a critical consensus-building platform for African ministers of finance, the African Union, and major international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF. By managing these multi-stakeholder partnerships, the ECA ensures that African nations can effectively monitor and respond to global shocks while advocating for a more equitable global financial system.
In alignment with our commitment to progress, we explicitly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for this senior advisory role. We are dedicated to creating a leadership environment that is equitable and inclusive, ensuring that the next generation of financial policy reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives and lived experiences.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Senior Adviser to the Technical Secretariat is a role of immense strategic weight, situated at the heart of Africa’s effort to reform the Global Financial Architecture. The primary objective of this assignment is to ensure the smooth functioning of the HLWG-GFA Technical Secretariat and to deliver the evidence-based analysis required to influence global financial decision-making. You will be responsible for providing technical guidance on innovative debt financing options and sustainable development finance at a time when traditional fiscal spaces are severely constrained.
A “day-in-the-life” in this high-level position involves synthesizing complex economic data into briefings, position papers, and advocacy documents that will be used by African Ministers and heads of international organizations. You will act as a bridge between technical research and political action, providing the analytical backbone for policy dialogues that seek to catalyze more equitable Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocations and lower private financing premia for developing nations.
This role offers unparalleled professional growth for seasoned economists and financial experts. Working at this level provides a global stage to demonstrate intellectual leadership and strategic thinking. You will be operating in a high-stakes policy environment, engaging directly with the International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, and other key global players to shift the needle on African debt management and financial representation.
The impact of this work is foundational to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By promoting disruptive and innovative approaches to finance, you are directly contributing to the closing of the financing gap that currently hinders poverty alleviation and climate change mitigation across Africa. Your expertise will help secure the additional billions needed to ensure an adequate response to global climatic and economic shocks.
Ultimately, the Senior Adviser is a guardian of Africa’s financial future. Your contribution ensures that policy directions are informed by the most rigorous data and that partnerships are built around high-impact solutions. By streamlining the technical secretariat’s functions, you empower African policymakers to navigate the “financial squeeze” and secure the long-term investments necessary for a structurally transformed continent.
Job Positions and Requirements
Senior Adviser to the Technical Secretariat (HLWG-GFA)
Educational Qualification: An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in Finance or Economics, with specialization in Macroeconomics, Financial Economics, or related fields. A PhD in Economics or Finance is highly desirable.
Work Experience: A minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in economic and social development policy analysis. Expertise must include public finances, monetary policy, financial markets, and debt instruments, specifically within the African context.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (UNECA Headquarters).
Salary: Per Scale (Consultant Category and Level: CON).
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
This position is a specialized consultancy with an expected duration of 12 months, based at the duty station in Addis Ababa. The role is designed for a senior professional who can offer immediate expertise and technical stability to the Technical Secretariat. It provides the unique advantage of working within the UN system’s administrative framework while focusing specifically on high-impact thematic areas of the global financial architecture.
The compensation package is competitive and tailored to the senior nature of the role, reflecting the 15-year minimum experience requirement and the depth of specialized knowledge needed. Beyond the financial remuneration, the role provides a unique platform for high-level advocacy and the opportunity to work alongside the Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist in shaping continental strategy.
The ECA values the stability and continuity of its expert advisory roles. While this is a consultancy, it is a central part of the ECA’s mission-critical work, offering a professional environment that respects expertise and rewards analytical rigor. You will be part of a team dedicated to long-term systemic change, providing a sense of professional fulfillment that comes from contributing to the prosperity of 54 nations.
How to Apply
To streamline the application process, candidates are informed that scanned certificates or physical attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. We encourage you to ensure your digital profile in the UN recruitment system is comprehensive and accurately reflects your 15+ years of senior-level experience in macroeconomics and debt issues.
Original documents and certificates will be required only for physical verification during the formal interview stage. This approach ensures that we can focus on your strategic fit and technical mastery during the initial review without the administrative burden of document scanning. Please be reminded that the United Nations maintains a strict zero-fee policy for its recruitment processes.
Given the high-level nature of this position, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Our selection process is rigorous and includes a review of your drafting skills, strategic thinking, and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment. We thank all applicants for their interest and for their commitment to Africa’s development.
The recruitment timeline involves a thorough review of applications following the deadline on May 4, 2026. Successful candidates will be invited to participate in a series of technical and competency-based interviews. We look forward to identifying a leader who can provide the technical guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of global financial governance.
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official UN Inspira portal. Ensure you reference Job Opening ID: 276630. This is the primary channel for all applications, and we recommend completing your profile well in advance of the closing date to ensure your application is captured in the system.
Application Deadline
May 4, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Menelik II Ave, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Applications must be submitted via the United Nations Career Portal (Inspira).