Inter-regional Adviser on Structural Transformation

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Programme Management Unit of the Economic Analysis and Policy Division (EAPD) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. DESA was established to provide research and policy analysis on global macroeconomic trends and long-term development issues. It supports Member States in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization operates globally, providing expertise and support to various countries, particularly focusing on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and their graduation from that category. The EAPD is responsible for delivering high-level technical expertise and facilitating knowledge transfer from global entities to governments on policy-related issues and development strategies. The organization emphasizes capacity development and has a network of Inter-regional Advisers to enhance its outreach and effectiveness in various regions.

Job Overview:
The Inter-regional Adviser (IRA) will work under the direct supervision of the Director of the EAPD. The primary function of this position is to provide capacity development and policy advisory support to governments and stakeholders in developing countries, focusing on structural transformation towards higher productivity and value-added economic activities. The IRA will utilize macroeconomic forecasting tools to analyze trends in structural transformation and provide guidance on empirical research and scenario development. The role also involves developing economic, social, and environmental models to support national capacities for analyzing macro-development linkages and advancing policy options aligned with the SDGs. The IRA will participate in designing capacity development programs and contribute to monitoring and evaluation efforts, ensuring that gender mainstreaming guidelines are implemented effectively. Additionally, the IRA will engage in global discussions and contribute to resource mobilization strategies for the Department.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for providing capacity development and policy advisory support to governments and stakeholders in developing countries. This includes understanding and utilizing macroeconomic forecasting tools to analyze structural transformation trends, developing economic models, and preparing capacity development materials. The IRA will participate in the design and implementation of capacity development programs, monitor gender mainstreaming guidelines, and contribute to workshops and training events. The role also involves liaising with professional networks and contributing to resource mobilization strategies. The IRA will assume additional tasks as requested by the supervisor, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental guidance and capacity development strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, including a strong commitment to high-level technical expertise in structural transformation, particularly in digital transformation and green energy transition. They should possess the ability to apply economic theories to sustainable development, conduct independent research, and work with large datasets. Familiarity with capacity development concepts and resource mobilization is essential. The candidate should also have proven abilities in preparing project proposals and building partnerships with national institutions.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in development economics or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of economic development and structural transformation.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience within the UN development system or an international organization is required. At least four years of professional experience in capacity development or policy advisory work in developing countries is essential, preferably across multiple regions. Experience in macroeconomic modeling and knowledge of econometric estimation techniques is necessary, along with proficiency in relevant software such as R and Python. Familiarity with the implications of green energy transitions on structural transformation in developing countries is also required.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations, but English proficiency is essential for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is limited to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and is subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. The maximum duration of the assignment as an Inter-regional Adviser is three years, with annual renewals contingent on the continued need for the technical specialty, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment process.