Mo Ibrahim Foundation 2021 Leadership Fellowship Programme at the UN Economic Commission for Africa

Published: 18 Aug 2020 2,197 views

As part of its programme to support member States, UNECA is partnering with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to promote leadership development through a practical and on-the-job fellowship. The programme is aimed at enabling young African professionals to develop leadership capacity in a large institution, gain knowledge of the functioning of the United Nations, have better understanding of Africa’s socio-economic challenges and contribute to the analytical, advocacy and policy advisory work of the Commission. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation (the “Foundation”), is financing this Fellowship position in the UNECA. The Fellow will perform the duties and responsibilities of the position at the headquarters of UNECA in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Mo Ibrahim Leadership Fellowship Programme is a selective Fellowship that prepares the next generation of outstanding African leaders by providing them with unique work opportunities at the most senior level of prominent African institutions or multilateral organizations, whose mandate is to improve the economic and social prospects of Africa. The Fellowship allows talented individuals to increase and enhance their professional capacity, with the intention of contributing to the governance and development of their countries thereby creating a pipeline of future African leaders.

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme

Benefits of Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme

The Foundation Fellow will be mentored by the Executive Secretary and/or a designated Representative in the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). With this guidance, the Fellow will work on the design and implementation of strategic assignments in support of the ECA’s mandate of contributing to the governance and development of member states.

As part of his/her general responsibilities, the Fellow will be expected to:

1. Advise on and develop strategic initiatives to advance UNECA’s mission and objectives.
2. Support the programmatic and administrative functions of OES
3. Plan, develop, and implement strategies for promoting regional integration.
4. Conceive, develop and promote innovations in UNECA development policies, including helping Africa to meet its special needs
5. Review activity reports and financial statements to determine progress and status in attaining objectives and revise objectives and plans in accordance with current conditions.
6. Undertake other duties as assigned.

Requirements for Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship Programme

1. National of an African country
2. 7-10 years of relevant work experience
3. Master’s degree
4. under the age of 40, or 45 for women with children
5. any additional criteria as set by the host.

Education: Fellow must hold a Master’s Degree in Economics, Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, Law, Finance, Engineering, or any discipline relevant to the work of UNECA.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this, fluency in oral and written English or French is required. Working knowledge of the other is an advantage.

Other Skills: Sound knowledge of the Internet and basic software for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations is required.

S/he must also have proven:

1. Experience in strategic planning and execution;
2. Knowledge of negotiating and change management;
3. Enhanced skills in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures;
4. Experience in formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures;
5. Ability to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government and to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community; Experience in research/analytical work in socioeconomic related area;
6. Experience with working on African issues is an advantage.
7. Ability to work in teams and simultaneously on several assignments

Application Documents

1. Cover letter
2. UN Personal History Profile (PHP)
3. Copy of academic degree certificates, and;
4. Three letters of reference/recommendation.

Application Deadline

How to Apply