Inter-regional Adviser (IRA)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Economic Statistics Branch of the Statistics Division (SD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The Statistics Division is tasked with providing leadership and strategic policy support to developing countries in the area of national accounts and economic statistics. The organization aims to enhance the capacity of member states to produce and utilize economic statistics effectively, thereby contributing to informed policy-making and sustainable development. More information about the Statistics Division can be found on their official website at https://unstats.un.org.

Job Overview:
The Inter-regional Adviser (IRA) will be responsible for providing high-level technical expertise and policy advice to governments and stakeholders in developing countries regarding national accounts and economic statistics. The role involves monitoring and analyzing trends in economic statistics, preparing policy advisory notes, and leading the design of national policies and strategies to achieve internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The IRA will also be involved in capacity development programs and will contribute to the implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines in all areas of work. This position requires a proactive approach to resource mobilization and the ability to build partnerships with various stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of national accounts and economic statistics initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of mandatory tasks, including providing high-level policy advice to governments, monitoring and analyzing trends in national accounts, and preparing advisory notes. They will lead the design and implementation of capacity development programs and strategies, ensuring alignment with international norms and standards. The IRA will also contribute to workshops and training events, develop training materials, and liaise with professional networks to enhance capacity development resources. Additionally, the role involves resource mobilization and establishing partnerships with national institutions and organizations involved in the development process. Optional tasks may include conducting surveys, guiding data collection initiatives, and providing inputs for normative and advocacy functions of the Division.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to high-level technical expertise in national accounts and economic statistics. They should have proven abilities in preparing robust project proposals and familiarity with the policies and programs of potential donors. Knowledge of capacity development concepts and approaches, as well as experience in result-based budgeting and management, is essential. The ability to mobilize resources and build partnerships with national institutions is also required. Candidates should be responsible for incorporating gender perspectives in their work and ensuring equal participation of women and men.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform the duties associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience at the national level or within the UN development system in the development and implementation of national accounts and supporting economic statistics standards is required. Additionally, at least five (5) years of experience in the compilation and dissemination of national accounts at the national level is necessary. Candidates should also have experience in international technical cooperation, capacity development, and advisory work in developing countries, preferably across multiple regions. Experience in managing large statistical programs within national or international statistical agencies is essential, along with experience in developing and maintaining related databases and producing written reports on economic data analysis.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for detailed language requirements.

Additional Notes:
This job opening refers to a specialized inter-regional adviser position with a fixed-term appointment limited to one year, subject to renewal based on performance and the continued need for the technical specialty. The maximum duration of the assignment as IRA is three years. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.