Result of Service

Among ECA’s notable publications, The Journal of African Transformation is an inter-disciplinary and internationally peer-reviewed journal committed to publishing and disseminating high-quality and original research that makes cutting-edge advances on African development issues. The journal provides a platform for African academics, professionals, researchers, and young scholars to share the results of their research findings to a broad audience that includes governments, development organizations and practitioners, researchers, universities and the public.

Work Location

Addis Ababa

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations mandated to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development of Africa. ECA’s vision is on generating ideas for Africa’s prosperity and is encapsulated in its motto: ideas for a prosperous Africa. Its overall objective is to promote inclusive and sustainable development in support of accelerating the economic diversification and structural transformation of Africa, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. ECA’s contribution to the task of carrying forward the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 is centred on the Commission’s three core functions, namely, its convening function, its function as a think tank and its operational function. ECA’s think-tank function is centered on conducting multi-sectoral research and analysis that nurture the integration of the three pillars of sustainable development, and promoting peer learning, innovative thinking and the advocacy of public policies while fostering inter-sectoral linkages and synergies. In line with its think tank function, ECA has been engaged in producing cutting edge policy research and flagship publications on Africa’s development issues, which support policy formulation, decision making and the development agenda in Continent. Among ECA’s notable publications, The Journal of African Transformation is an inter-disciplinary and internationally peer-reviewed journal committed to publishing and disseminating high-quality and original research that makes cutting-edge advances on African development issues. The journal provides a platform for African academics, professionals, researchers, and young scholars to share the results of their research findings to a broad audience that includes governments, development organizations and practitioners, researchers, universities and the public. To this end, ECA is seeking to contract a suitably qualified and experienced consultant to provide coordination support in the publication of the ECA Journal of African Transformation and related initiatives. The consultant will support the process of producing six editions of the ECA Journal of African Transformation and manage the publication in terms of soliciting manuscripts, facilitating reviews, coordinating with the Editor-in-Chief, authors and reviewers. Duties and responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Strategic Planning, Oversight and Results Division, the consultant will undertake the following tasks aimed at facilitating the publication of the Journal of African Transformation:

Engage in the solicitation process of manuscripts and papers that can be considered for publication;
Perform initial review of submitted manuscripts to determine if publishable;
Ensure, in the overall process, that the content of the Journal is of high quality in terms of accuracy, validity, reliability, credibility, readability and relevance;
Select and assign expert peer reviewers for the manuscripts;
Monitor the review process;
Submit reviewed articles for the final review and consideration of the Editor-in-Chief
Schedule accepted manuscripts for publication;
Liaise with the production team on the publication process including the editing, design, layout and publication of the journal;
Work with guest editors (if any), editorial assistants, and/or clerical/secretarial staff;
Attend and contribute to Editorial Board meetings whenever convened. In the context of associated initiatives, the consultant may be assigned other related tasks and responsibilities in line with activities undertaken by the Strategic Planning, Oversight and Results Division in the formulation of corporate cross-cutting initiatives as well as the preparation of flagship projects promoting cutting edge policy research, knowledge sharing, policy discourses and exchange.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree, with at least a master’s degree in economics, Social Sciences including public administration and political science, Statistics, Development Studies or other related fields.

Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in communication, knowledge management, scholarly publishing or editorial work.
The consultant will have at least 10 years of work experience in academia, research institutions, international organisation, public service or related institution, communication, scholarly publishing or editorial work. Good writing and publishing skills are necessary for the position.
Familiarity and/or experience in working with the United Nations is an advantage.
Broad understanding of African development issues and challenges, with demonstrated ability to formulate programmes/ projects, provide advice and guidance on strategic matters.
Track record of publishing on African development issues in peer reviewed journals, books and other scholarly publications.
Previous experience in journal editing is an added advantage. Knowledge/Skills:
Sound understanding of Africa-related strategies and policies of major bilateral and multilateral agencies and relevant experience in working with regional organizations and partners.
Excellent interpersonal and management skills;
Proven ability and experience in efficient planning and execution of tasks; and high level of initiative.

Languages

Fluency in English, very good writing and analytical skills.

Knowledge of French is an added advantage.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Consultant to support technical coordination in the publication of the ECA Journal of African Transformation and related initiatives