Education:

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human resources management, psychology, organizational development, public administration, social sciences, education, or a related field is required

About the Organization

The United Nations is a global institution committed to maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, and advancing human rights. Through its regional commissions, the UN works closely with Member States to address economic and social challenges across the world.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), established in 1958, serves as the UN’s regional arm in Africa. Its mission is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development, foster regional integration, and strengthen international cooperation in support of Africa’s transformation.

ECA delivers its mandate through thematic divisions, specialized centers, and subregional offices supported by strong programmatic and administrative teams. The organization brings together highly skilled professionals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, creating a multicultural and intellectually stimulating work environment.

As part of ongoing reform efforts under the UN80 Initiative, ECA continues to modernize its systems, strengthen collaboration, and enhance operational efficiency. These reforms aim to ensure that the organization remains agile, responsive, and impactful in addressing complex development challenges across Africa.

Within this framework, ECA’s Human Resources function plays a central role in strengthening institutional capacity, leadership effectiveness, and staff engagement. The Organization Development Unit (ODU) leads initiatives that promote organizational learning, change management, and high-performing teams.

Job Description

ECA is establishing a roster of qualified Facilitators who may be engaged on an as-needed basis to support retreats, strategic workshops, team-building interventions, and organizational development processes. Being placed on the roster does not guarantee immediate engagement but provides opportunities for assignment when needs arise.

Selected Facilitators will collaborate with divisions, sections, and subregional offices to design and deliver structured, solution-oriented, and engaging workshops that contribute to team cohesion and strategic alignment.

In the programme design phase, consultants will work closely with internal focal points to co-create agendas, tools, and learning materials tailored to the specific needs of each team. This ensures that each intervention is relevant, contextualized, and outcome-driven.

During facilitation delivery, consultants will lead sessions that encourage open dialogue, participation, and collaborative problem-solving. They will apply appropriate facilitation methodologies to help teams clarify priorities, resolve challenges, and achieve defined objectives.

Facilitators will be expected to manage group dynamics effectively, address conflicts constructively, and foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are respected and valued.

Another critical responsibility involves synthesizing discussions, capturing key insights, and guiding participants toward actionable next steps. Consultants must produce comprehensive post-session reports that include observations, findings, and practical recommendations.

Through this role, Facilitators will directly contribute to strengthening institutional effectiveness, enhancing collaboration across teams, and supporting ECA’s broader strategic and operational goals.

Educational Qualification

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human resources management, psychology, organizational development, public administration, social sciences, education, or a related field is required.

Candidates with a first-level university degree combined with extensive relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

Professional certification in facilitation from recognized institutions such as the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA), the International Institute for Facilitation (INIFAC), the Association for Talent Development (ATD), or the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) is considered an advantage.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in designing and facilitating retreats, strategic planning workshops, organizational development sessions, and group learning processes is required.

Applicants must demonstrate experience facilitating both small and large groups of adult learners in organizational settings. Experience working with multicultural teams and diverse stakeholders is highly desirable.

Knowledge of evaluation approaches such as outcome harvesting and other qualitative or quantitative assessment methods is an asset. Experience within the UN system or other international organizations is also advantageous.

Required Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse participants and build trust quickly.

They must possess deep knowledge of interactive and participatory learning methodologies and the flexibility to adapt facilitation techniques to evolving group needs.

The role requires strong analytical thinking, the ability to synthesize complex discussions into clear outputs, and excellent report-writing skills.

Facilitators must also exhibit professionalism, cultural sensitivity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage challenging group dynamics constructively.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French or another UN official language is considered an added advantage.

Job Location

Assignments may take place at ECA Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, or at one of its Subregional Offices, including Lusaka, Rabat, Niamey, Yaoundé, Kigali, and Dakar, depending on organizational needs.

Consultants should be flexible and willing to travel as required for specific assignments.

Employment Type and Salary

This opportunity is a consultancy engagement under a roster arrangement. Duration varies depending on the assignment and organizational needs.

Compensation will be determined based on the nature of the assignment, level of expertise, and UN consultancy guidelines. Inclusion in the roster does not create any obligation for immediate or continuous employment.

This consultancy provides valuable exposure to high-level strategic processes within a leading international organization. It offers opportunities to work alongside senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams while contributing to transformative organizational initiatives.

Engagement with ECA enables professionals to expand their international portfolio, strengthen facilitation expertise in complex institutional environments, and gain meaningful experience in supporting development impact across Africa.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application online through the official United Nations careers portal before March 30, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully complete their online profile and ensure that all relevant experience and qualifications are clearly reflected.

Please note that scanned certificates or additional attachments are not required at the initial application stage.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

ECA strongly encourages applications from women, professionals from underrepresented groups, and qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals can contribute and thrive.

If you are passionate about organizational development, collaborative leadership, and advancing Africa’s development agenda, this consultancy offers a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact while advancing your professional growth within the United Nations system.
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