Consultancy on Innovative Financing and Debt Sustainability Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which was established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster regional cooperation and integration, enhance the capacity of member states, and provide a platform for dialogue on critical issues affecting the region. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, focusing on various sectors including economic development, social justice, and environmental sustainability. ESCWA employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by member states, with a mission to support sustainable development objectives through evidence-based policy analysis and capacity building.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on generating high-quality, policy-relevant analytical outputs and tools that will strengthen evidence-based analysis on public debt sustainability, macroeconomic trends, and innovative financing in the Arab region. The consultant will engage in data analysis, econometric modeling, and the development of knowledge products that will enhance countries' preparedness to leverage innovative financing instruments. This role is crucial in informing debt and fiscal policy decisions that align with sustainable development goals. The consultant will work collaboratively within a team of economists to address the pressing challenges faced by countries in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing economic crises exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: assessing and analyzing trends and developments in the Arab region related to credit ratings and public debt; compiling and maintaining comprehensive databases on public debt and macroeconomic indicators; analyzing the interlinkages between climate/environmental factors and macroeconomic developments; supporting analytical work on innovative financing instruments by mapping relevant data; tracking and synthesizing information on innovative financing instruments; preparing analytical and statistical products on public debt sustainability; contributing to the development of training materials for workshops; and assisting in organizing national workshops in participating countries, including preparing outcome reports. These responsibilities require a proactive approach to research and analysis, as well as effective communication skills to convey complex information clearly.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, public finance, international finance, or a related field. A minimum of three years of professional research experience in econometric modeling related to macroeconomic and fiscal policy is required. Proficiency in Python is essential, and candidates should have at least one year of experience using EViews or R for economic modeling specifically in the context of debt sustainability analysis in the Arab region. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, such as a master's degree or its equivalent, in fields related to economics, public finance, or international finance. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. This requirement underscores the importance of a solid academic foundation in understanding complex economic issues and conducting rigorous analysis.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in research work, particularly in econometric modeling related to macroeconomic and fiscal policy. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to conduct in-depth analysis and contribute to policy-relevant outputs. Additionally, familiarity with innovative financing instruments and their application in the Arab region is desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations and ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the United Nations Secretariat. This multilingual requirement reflects the diverse nature of the work environment and the need for effective communication across different stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of six months, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application submission, interviews, and training. The organization emphasizes its commitment to transparency and ethical recruitment practices, ensuring that candidates are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details during the application process.