Special Assistant To The Executive Secretary

Result of Service

The consultancy will ensure seamless continuity and high-level strategic support to the Executive Secretary during a critical period of institutional engagement, policy dialogue, and international representation. The Special Assistant will strengthen the Executive Secretary’s capacity to deliver on her leadership and advocacy mandate by:

• Providing high-quality analytical input
• Ensuring timely and effective coordination across divisions and with key stakeholders
• Maintaining the strategic integrity of the Executive Secretary’s engagements and communications

Through direct policy advisory support, meticulous meeting preparation and follow-up, and agile management of correspondence and stakeholder relations, the consultant will contribute to the visibility, coherence, and influence of ECA's voice across internal and external platforms. The ultimate outcome will be a well-supported Executive Office that is operationally responsive, substantively informed, and strategically aligned with ECA’s mandate and the priorities of the UN development system.

Work Location

Addis Ababa

Expected Duration

6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Preparing policy notes, statements, and strategic proposals on major development issues
• Advising the Executive Secretary on programme and policy issues
• Overseeing the flow of correspondence addressed to and originating from the Executive Secretary
• Ensuring effective preparations and follow-up for meetings with senior representatives
• Assisting in coordinating substantive preparations for relevant discussions
• Serving as ECA's key liaison person with officials at all levels
• Leading team members' efforts to collect and analyze data for data-driven planning

Qualifications/Special Skills

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social development, economics, political science, public administration, communications, international relations, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is an advantage.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in:
  • International relations, socioeconomic research, and analysis
  • Policy formulation and application of socioeconomic principles
  • Economic, social, and sustainable development at international and national levels

Knowledge of the governance and intergovernmental processes of the UN system is desirable. Experience supporting senior officials in an intergovernmental or diplomatic setting is also desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Skills Required:

• Communication / Pr / Journalism
• Economics / Statistics
• Hr / Public / Admin
• Political / Science / Ir
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development