Consultant for GETSI 2 KSA

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA was founded in 1973 and has since been instrumental in providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation among member states. The organization focuses on various areas including economic development, social development, and environmental sustainability, and operates in multiple countries across the Arab region. ESCWA aims to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing regional integration through research, capacity building, and policy advocacy.

Job Overview:
The consultant position is focused on developing a new global database and an enhanced version of the Global Economywide Trade Simulator Interface (GETSI) for Saudi Arabia. This role is crucial for decision-makers who require advanced tools to gain real-time, data-driven insights for optimal economic policy design. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP) of Saudi Arabia to integrate the latest technological coefficients into the GTAP database, calibrate the global CGE model, and prepare necessary documentation for the model's deployment. The position requires a deep understanding of economic modeling and the ability to work with complex datasets to support trade policy alignment with national objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Integrating the latest technological coefficients for Saudi Arabia's economy into a revised GTAP database.
• Generating a customized GTAP database based on the sectoral and geographical structure determined by the MEP.
• Calibrating the global CGE model using the new database, which includes modifications to FDI inflows and outflows and a new migration module.
• Building plausible baseline scenarios for Saudi Arabia and other regions for the period 2026–2035 using the latest forecasts.
• Conducting robustness checks by varying key elasticities and recalibrating the model accordingly.
• Preparing the new simulation file and all necessary files for uploading the model on GAMS-MIRO.
• Providing all required files for deploying the updated model on the GAMS-MIRO platform.
• Preparing technical documentation detailing the model’s features and calibration process.
• Supporting capacity-building sessions for the MEP’s team on model building and simulation analysis if required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in applied Economics, with a PhD being desirable. A minimum of 10 years of experience in developing and applying global dynamic CGE models using GAMS is required. Proven experience with the GTAP database and hands-on experience in calibrating and running global CGE models is essential. Proficiency in GAMS and its applications in global CGE modeling is mandatory. Experience working with government ministries or policy institutions, particularly in the Gulf region or Saudi Arabia, is highly desirable. Knowledge of MIRO interface design and best practices in user interaction for economic modeling tools is also a plus.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree in applied Economics as a minimum educational qualification. A PhD is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field of economics. All candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree, and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in developing and applying global dynamic CGE models, specifically using GAMS. This extensive experience is crucial for ensuring that the consultant can effectively contribute to the development of the GETSI 2 KSA model and provide valuable insights into economic modeling and policy analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Arabic is required for this position, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Knowledge of English is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations secretariat. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand), while knowledge is defined as a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 8 months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information.